AAP open to oppn alliance, says common agenda must come first

Panaji: Suggesting a thaw in the party’s stand on an opposition alliance, newly appointed state AAP president Valmiki Naik on Monday said that a common agenda needs to be set for a successful alliance to take on BJP in Goa.

Addressing his first press conference as the state party president, Naik said that the party is ready to do “whatever it takes to defeat BJP” in Goa, but not at the cost of its principles.


“Before any discussion on seat sharing, we must finalise a common minimum programme. If intentions are right, AAP is ready to take the lead in building a successful alliance,” said Naik. “We are ready to do whatever it takes to defeat BJP and save Goa. But before mathematics, chemistry must be right. The agenda must come first.”

Working president Gerson Gomes said AAP was born out of an anti-corruption movement, and any alliance in Goa must ensure good governance that takes a stand against corruption.

AAP MLA Venzy Viegas said that AAP showed its commitment to unity against BJP during the Lok Sabha elections when, despite being nominated as the candidate for South Goa, he withdrew in favour of the Congress candidate. “For 2027, we are not just open to an alliance, we are ready to lead the efforts, provided the fight is for Goa, not for posts,” Viegas said.

Meanwhile, Prashant Naik, the newly appointed organisation secretary, said that the party will take the next few months to strengthen the party at the booth level.