Congress MP Viriato Fernandes Says AAP’s ‘Goa First’ Alliance Is a Secret Deal with the BJP

During a press briefing on Friday, Congress MP Captain Viriato Fernandes let slip a rather startling accusation: the ‘Goa First’ partnership between AAP and the Goa Forward Party isn’t just a political alliance – it’s, in his words, a “tacit understanding” with the BJP.

Fernandes argued that the BJP, which currently governs Goa, is feeling the heat of anti‑incumbency and is gearing up for a possible defeat. “They know they are going to lose,” he told ANI, suggesting the ruling party is desperate enough to strike back‑room deals to stay afloat.

According to Fernandes, the bargain is simple: AAP gets a clean sweep in Punjab, while the BJP receives a helping hand in Goa, effectively splitting the anti‑BJP vote. “If Kejriwal were truly against the BJP, he would have joined forces with Congress in Goa,” he added, implying that the AAP leader’s move is motivated by a different agenda altogether.

He didn’t stop there. Drawing on past election episodes, Fernandes painted a picture of AAP repeatedly breaking with Congress at crucial moments – from Haryana to Rahul Gandhi’s padyatra in Bihar – to suggest a pattern of covert cooperation with the BJP.

Beyond the political chessboard, Fernandes turned his attention to the newly introduced FCRA Bill, calling it a “bigger conspiracy” aimed at NGOs and charitable trusts, many of which are run by minority communities. He warned that the bill could violate Article 300A of the Constitution, which protects private property.

Fernandes, a former Indian Navy officer with 26 years of service, also weighed in on the recent India‑Pakistan naval collision involving INS Kolkata. He defended the professionalism of the Indian Navy and accused Pakistan of trying to shift blame, stating the incident occurred in international waters, not within Pakistan’s EEZ.

Concluding his remarks, the MP urged all anti‑BJP forces, including regional leaders like Mamata Banerjee, to rally behind Congress. “If any political party or person supports Congress, we welcome them,” he said, calling for a united front against the ruling party.