Salman Khan has officially joined the Indian National Congress after resigning from the Aam Aadmi Party, a move that party members say will strengthen the Congress in the Mapusa constituency.
The induction took place in the presence of Amit Patkar, President of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), along with other Congress leaders and party workers.
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During the announcement, party representatives welcomed Khan’s entry and said several workers from block-level and district-level units had also joined the Congress along with him. Leaders said the development reflects growing dissatisfaction among political workers with AAP’s leadership and ideological direction in Goa.
Resignations from AAP
Party leaders said many AAP members left the party following disagreements over ideology and political strategy. They also referred to the departure of prominent state leaders, including former Goa AAP president Amit Palekar, stating that these exits indicate a broader loss of confidence within the party.
They added that these developments have strengthened the perception that the Congress remains the only party capable of challenging the Bharatiya Janata Party in Goa.
Focus on Upcoming Elections
Congress leaders expressed confidence ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Mapusa. They said the party would work to defeat BJP-backed panels while strengthening grassroots networks and promoting dedicated party workers.
They also highlighted past election results from 2002, 2017, and 2022, noting that vote margins between Congress and BJP have gradually narrowed. According to party leaders, the reduced margins indicate increasing support for the Congress in the constituency.
Criticism of Development in Mapusa
The leaders criticized the BJP’s long rule in the area, claiming that despite more than three decades of representation, Mapusa has seen limited development. They pointed to issues such as the condition of the bus stand, market infrastructure, and hospital facilities as examples of neglected public infrastructure.
They added that public frustration over these issues could influence voters in the upcoming elections and potentially in the 2027 Assembly elections, as dissatisfaction among residents continues to grow.
