Catholic Association of Goa urges Congress to field young candidates in 2027 polls

PANAJI, August 18, 2026: The Catholic Association of Goa (CAG) has urged Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to field young, clean and “visionary” candidates in the 2027 Goa Assembly elections, with a particular focus on giving opportunities to Generation Z and other young political aspirants.

In a memorandum submitted to Kharge on Tuesday, the association called for greater accountability in electoral politics and said candidate selection should prioritise integrity, public service and grassroots engagement.

The CAG said defections by elected representatives after securing the voters’ mandate had contributed to “pain, disappointment and loss of faith” among ordinary Goans. It described such defections as a breach of the trust placed by voters in their elected representatives.

The association asked the Congress leadership to avoid candidates it described as habitual party-hoppers and political opportunists, and to consider young candidates with strong grassroots connections and a record of public service.

It also urged the party to avoid candidates facing serious and credible allegations of corruption, criminal activity, misconduct or abuse of public office.

According to the memorandum, candidates should have a clear policy vision for issues including environmental protection, heritage conservation, employment, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education, healthcare and local governance.

The CAG also called for wider consultations with grassroots party workers, local communities, youth and women, as well as parish and civil society representatives, before candidates are finalised.

The association urged the Congress to give greater opportunities to loyal party workers and community leaders who had remained with the party during difficult periods. It also proposed that candidates make a public commitment to honour the electoral mandate and not switch parties after being elected.

Describing Goa as a shared home rather than merely an electoral battleground, the association said political parties had a responsibility to consider the state's villages, fields, coastline, religious traditions, cultural practices, music and festivals while making decisions about political leadership.

The CAG said the Congress had a “historic responsibility” to help restore public confidence in democratic politics. It argued that the selection of young and credible candidates, including a meaningful number from Generation Z, could help provide Goa with a new political direction.

The memorandum was signed by CAG president Cyril A. Fernandes and addressed to Kharge and Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar.

By Catholic Connect Reporter