Two-time former Chief Minister of Goa and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament representing West Bengal, Luizinho Faleiro, tendered his resignation as a parliamentarian and is set to quit the Trinamool Congress Party as well. Interestingly, Faleiro’s decision comes a day after the Election Commission of India downgraded TMC from the ‘national party’ status to a ‘state party’. But, more importantly, it also comes a day after Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah announced plans to descend on Goa to flag off BJP’s Lok Sabha campaign.
Faleiro’s resignation was no big surprise given the continued friction between the veteran leader and a section of party leaders, including national stalwarts of the TMC. Moreover, Faleiro’s absence in several meetings, including the recent conclave and his deafening silence on party matters, were clear indicators of what was to follow.
The resignation has, however, thrown up several questions, and Faleiro’s brief when submitting his papers has only fuelled speculation. He has made known his intention to re-enter State politics as a foot soldier, reflecting his intent to return to Goa politics. While the suspense remains, it remains to be seen where he fits himself in the limited options on Goa’s political canvas.
Faleiro’s resignation and Amit Shah’s decision to visit Goa this weekend may be a coincidence, but there are possibilities that the Congress High Command may have pulled the trigger as it seeks to make its move ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha election. The BJP has already taken a head start in planning for the Lok Sabha contest and zeroed down on candidates, but the Congress, which is a key contender, especially in South Goa, is in oblivion with the rank and file of the party split on even the candidature of the incumbent Francisco Sardinha.
While there is no word coming from the Congress high command over its plan for the Lok Sabha seats in Goa, Faleiro’s exit could be a timely signal in that direction. In that context, the timing of Faleiro’s exit reveals more than what the leader is not speaking. The State Assembly election is another four years away, and Faleiro has just cut short his stint as an MP too early before it could end in 2026, only suggesting that the veteran leader from Navelim has another move up his sleeve.
There are indications that Faleiro could be eying the Lok Sabha against the backdrop of his experience as a parliamentarian. The seven-time MLA may be in the sunset of his political career, but he has risen to the challenge of being an MP and delivered in fair measure. The burning issues of Goa he raised in the Rajya Sabha stand out against the performance of the State’s MPs.
While speculations are that Faleiro may be headed towards Congress once again, the move, should it materialise, could be a win-win situation for both. Faleiro will succeed in returning to where his roots are, and Congress may find a leader who could put together the scattered pieces of the party jigsaw.
The Congress High Command, after the bitter experience of a series of defections including senior party leaders like Digambar Kamat and Aleixo Sequeira, may make peace with Faleiro purely as an electoral strategy, but it remains to be seen whether a divided Congress is able to accept his ‘Ghar Wapsi’ on the ground with open arms.
