While the countdown has begun for the monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, the Opposition stands visibly disunited, raising concerns about its capacity to effectively challenge the ruling BJP, not only in the House, but in the run-up to crucial elections leading to the Assembly polls in 2027. The fissures within the opposition camp are increasingly apparent, with key parties like the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and Revolutionary Goans Party (RG) opting out of a crucial joint meeting convened by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao. Their boycott of the meeting, no matter the reasoning, highlights not just tactical disagreements but personal rifts. A disjointed opposition, for sure, will paint a sorry picture when they stand against a formidable challenge to the BJP’s entrenched political machinery.
The Opposition, despite the minuscule minority, and the fissures and disagreements within, has, to a fair extent managed to seek accountability in the House in the past, even pushing the ruling benches to the wrong foot. Popular leaders like Yuri Alemao, Vijai Sardesai, Altone D’Costa and Venzy Viegas have operated in perfect sync and that has been a hallmark. A disunited Opposition would mean that there may not be any strategies at play, and one may see leaders cutting into each other’s arguments, a factor that would work in the BJP’s favour.
This internal discord risks weakening their collective voice and diluting their influence. As Sardesai dismisses the joint opposition efforts as a “mere formality,” and the Congress leadership remains embroiled in internal negotiations, the prospects of a cohesive opposition front seem bleak. Such disunity sends a message of disarray to the electorate, potentially eroding public trust and confidence in the opposition’s ability to effectively oppose.
The differences between Vijai Sardesai and the Congress leadership—particularly Yuri Alemao and Amit Patkar—are not new but have become more conspicuous recently. Sardesai’s open criticism of the opposition’s “sleep mode,” coupled with his active campaign across the State, contrasts sharply with the Congress’s strategic moves, such as inducting new leaders like Chirag Naik in Margao and Cipru Cardozo in Navelim. Moves, both from GFP and Congress, suggest attempts to consolidate respective bases, but they also expose a lack of shared vision within the opposition ranks.
The contrasting approaches exacerbate the divide. Sardesai’s emphasis on “winning the revolution” and his willingness to consider merging with the Congress reflect an understanding that only a united opposition can challenge the BJP’s dominance. His criticism of the Congress stems from the fact that there is no reciprocal gesture. Conversely, the Congress’s approach of focusing on inducting new leaders and contesting municipal wards independently suggests a strategy rooted in strengthening its base, indicating that an alliance for 2027 is not on its mind for now.
This fragmentation if carried forward to 2027 will have serious implications on the electoral landscape. Historically, opposition parties in Goa have struggled with infighting and disagreements. Parties often speak of unity, but no players have shown a willingness to demarcate boundaries or make the needed sacrifices. In a crowded political landscape of Goa, the Opposition will certainly eat into a voter base that does not belong to the BJP, like in 2022.
The Assembly session will serve as a testing ground for the Opposition leaders, although it may not be an electoral barometer. It is to be seen whether leaders put their differences aside and stand up unitedly, or if their internal squabbles and political interests get in the way. Time will tell.
