Girish Chodankar

Girish Chodankar began his political journey in Goa through grassroots involvement with the Indian National Congress, gradually rising through youth and organisational roles. His early engagement focused on party-building activities, public outreach, and local governance, which helped him establish a strong organisational base within the state Congress structure.

He entered electoral politics in the 1990s and served as a municipal councillor in Margao, gaining administrative experience at the local level. Although his subsequent assembly and parliamentary election contests did not result in victories, these campaigns strengthened his visibility and standing within the party organisation.

Chodankar’s prominence grew significantly after he was appointed President of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee in 2018. During his tenure, he was tasked with rebuilding the party following defections and electoral setbacks, focusing on cadre consolidation, opposition strategy, and organisational restructuring.

After stepping down as GPCC president in 2022, he transitioned to broader national responsibilities within the All India Congress Committee. He was appointed AICC in-charge for several northeastern states and later named a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee, reflecting his growing role in party strategy and coordination.

As of 2026, Chodankar is a key Congress negotiator in Tamil Nadu, overseeing alliance talks with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. His public rejection of an initial seat offer and emphasis on strengthening Congress’s electoral footprint have placed him at the centre of pre-election political discourse ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.