Margao: With Quepem likely to be reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs) ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, sitting Congress MLA Altone D’Costa is preparing to move to a neighbouring constituency, though he is yet to decide where he will contest from.Centre’s recent notification bringing the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Act, 2025 into force has triggered the likely change.D’Costa told TOI he is comfortable contesting from Velim, Navelim or Canacona, and has discussed the options with Congress.“The party has given me the freedom to choose the constituency I wish to contest from, and they would support my decision,” D’Costa said. “As regards Quepem, we will zero in on the best capable ST candidate for the 2027 polls.”D’Costa said Congress would also avoid the infighting among ticket aspirants witnessed in BJP. “We will also ensure that there is no rift among aspiring candidates within Congress as is being currently witnessed in BJP,” he said.D’Costa defeated BJP’s Chandrakant Kavlekar in Quepem in the 2022 polls. Kavlekar, who had been hoping to contest Quepem again, is now likely to be affected by the reservation. He belongs to the Dhangar community, which has been seeking ST status for decades.D’Costa said he had no grievance over the development. “Reservation of seats for STs is their constitutional right, and I have no hard feelings about it. The community, after all, stood by me in the previous election,” he said.His options could, however, be constrained by political alliances. Velim is represented by AAP MLA Cruz Silva, and could become unavailable if Congress and AAP forge an alliance for 2027. Navelim and Canacona are currently represented by BJP MLAs.“Whatever the party decides, and if the people accept, I will abide by that,” D’Costa said.The ST reservation law is expected to reshape the political landscape in several South Goa constituencies ahead of the 2027 polls.