Congress rules out tickets for defectors for 2027 assembly polls

Margao: State Congress president Girish Chodankar on Tuesday ruled out any change in the party’s 2022 decision to deny tickets to those who defected from Congress, amid speculation over the possible return of former MLAs ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.“There should be no confusion or misinformation about this. The decision taken by Rahul Gandhi—that those who betrayed the people’s mandate and defected from Congress will not be given party tickets—remains unchanged,” Chodankar said.His remarks come amid reports that several former Congress legislators who switched allegiance are exploring a return to the party following Chodankar’s reappointment as state chief. However, he made it clear that any such move would not come at the expense of loyal party workers.“Those who abandoned the party for personal ambition cannot expect rewards. Congress will always honour those who stayed committed to its principles and fought against BJP govt’s anti-people policies,” he said.Chodankar said loyalty, integrity, and political accountability would continue to guide decisions on leadership positions and electoral nominations. He added that the party’s focus remains on strengthening its grassroots organisation through workers who have retained public trust.“The message is clear: Congress stands by those who stood by Congress when it mattered most,” he said.