Panaji: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa on Sunday publicly criticised the Congress over the history of defections by its MLAs, a move that sharpens divisions within the opposition as parties prepare for the 2027 assembly polls, according to reports.
Political jibe timed to campaign activity
AAP used social media to highlight former Congress legislators who switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in earlier years, alongside a mocking slogan aimed at questioning the Congress's credibility. The party's post included the phrase:
"Ek Kachori Do Samosa, Is Congress Ka Kya Bharosa"
Congress leaders interpreted the AAP's move as an attempt to target fellow opposition parties rather than focus criticism on the ruling BJP, according to reports. The jibe came days after senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot addressed the party's ongoing "Goy Rakhon Yatra" (Save Goa Campaign) in Sankhalim, the assembly constituency represented by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Defections cited by AAP
In its social-media messaging, AAP pointed to two waves of defections from Congress to the BJP that occurred in recent years. The party referenced the following figures, as reported:
| Year | Number of Congress MLAs who joined BJP |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2022 | 8 |
Congress rejects AAP's approach
Congress responded by accusing AAP of undermining opposition unity and diverting attention from the ruling party. Party spokespersons pointed to recent public outreach events as evidence of growing support for Congress in the state, according to reports. The party said criticism should be directed at the BJP's governance rather than toward other Opposition formations.
Implications for opposition coordination
Political analysts say such public exchanges could complicate efforts by opposition parties to present a united front against the BJP in Goa. Fragmentation among non-BJP parties, they note, can affect candidate selection, seat-sharing talks and voter perceptions ahead of the next assembly polls.
While AAP's post amplified memories of past defections, Congress's counter was framed around its ongoing campaigning and outreach. Both parties are engaged in efforts to consolidate support across constituencies, and the public spat highlights the competing priorities and strategic calculations within the opposition camp, according to reports.
What parties are saying
- AAP: Used social media to underscore defections and question Congress's trustworthiness.
- Congress: Accused AAP of targeting fellow opposition instead of the ruling BJP; pointed to recent rallies as signs of public backing.
The differences come as parties step up preparations for the 2027 assembly elections, with campaigning, rallies and public outreach being intensified across the state. Political observers say renewed factionalism in the opposition could benefit the ruling party by diluting anti-incumbency sentiment and complicating any coordination among challengers.
Context and background
Goa's assembly arithmetic has in recent years been affected by legislators switching allegiance, which has altered government formation and stability at times. The episodes cited by AAP — in 2019 and 2022 — have been widely reported and remain politically sensitive. How the opposition manages disputes over past defections and present priorities will be closely watched by voters and party strategists as the election approaches.
As the campaign season advances, the public exchange between AAP and Congress underlines the tactical disagreements that can emerge within opposition ranks and the challenge of reconciling immediate party interests with broader anti-incumbent objectives, according to reports.
Both parties are expected to continue their outreach programmes across Goa in the coming months. No official comment from the BJP on these specific exchanges was reported in the original coverage.
