The stage is all set for an important Lok Sabha election in Goa, an election that will not only decide who will represent the State in Parliament, but one that will also provide answers to multiple questions playing on the minds of one and sundry, including political parties.
What makes this election interesting? It has a distinct political contrast across the landscape, an assortment of candidates, issues and priorities. The line-up comprises a new entrant against a new face in the South, and a veteran versus another veteran in the North, and there is also the Revolutionary Goans Party candidates providing a third dimension to the poll.
On top of the mind is the South Goa seat where BJP is betting big on a woman candidate in industrialist Pallavi Dempo, pitted against Congress’ Capt Viriato Fernandes, an ex-Navy man. RGP’s Rupert Fernandes is the third candidate. It is to be seen whether Pallavi will find acceptability in a field that is relatively new to her having no track record politically, and whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s halo and the overwhelming support of the BJP MLAs across constituencies will help her tide over personal shortcomings. Let’s not forget, that the BJP has been riding high on its development mantra and the party will look forward towards this election seeking an acknowledgment.
For Capt Viriato, this election becomes very crucial because he is strongly backed by an alliance which has been on a roll standing strong against the BJP onslaught. In reality, Congress could have never asked for a better positioning given the circumstances they are facing in the State. The grand old party has been playing the harp of Goa-centric issues, debunking the development plank of the BJP, and it is to be seen whether the fauji-turned-activist-turned-politician wins the confidence of South Goa.
In North, Shripad Naik has won five times in a row and is eyeing his sixth term. Although he sounds confident, the anti-incumbency factor is weighing heavily against him. Interestingly, the Congress has fielded veteran Ramakant Khalap, who has come out of political sanyas. However, Khalap’s dilemma would be about reconnecting with the voter. He has the experience of being an astute political leader but lacks the firepower to steamroll other candidates in the fray.
Manoj Parab, the vocal RGP leader, has shown the fire in his belly to fearlessly take on two seasoned politicos. Seen as a vote-cutter, Parab has embarked on his journey showing bravado, fierceness and youthful exuberance. The ‘angry young man’ nature of Parab is seen as a double-edged sword, but it remains to be seen if it could hold a political edge in this tricky three-cornered contest.
The State Election Commission appears optimistic of the 80 per cent turnout, around 5 per cent increase from the 75 per cent voting in 2019. The efforts of the poll body to ensure better vote percentage through initiatives like providing lemon juice to those affected by the scorching summer heat, reaching out to various sections like Persons with Disabilities and creating innovative awareness drives are welcome positives in a sea of political negativity.
To conclude, this Lok Sabha election holds a lot of meaning for Goa and its leaders who are desperately seeking relevance. If this is an acid test for the BJP, it is also one for the Congress and the RGP, and there is a lot to read between wins and losses. This election will certainly reassess the political alignments of the State.
