Former MLA Angel Fernandes has returned to the Congress, reaffirming his association with the party and saying that he had never truly distanced himself from its political ideology.

“I left the party, but I never went away from the party. I was never really out of Congress. Congress is in our blood,” Fernandes said after rejoining the party.

Fernandes said several political parties had approached him, but he ultimately chose to return to Congress, which he believes has the vision and strength to take Goa forward.

His return comes ahead of the 2027 Goa Assembly elections, with the Congress seeking to strengthen its organisation and consolidate its political base in the state.

Fernandes said his decision to rejoin Congress was guided by his belief in the party and its ability to work for the future of Goa.