Venzy, Cruz absent for Henriques’ induction; new entrant slams ‘outsider leadership’; after Cuncolim, party eyes Fatorda, Margao, Nuvem and Navelim
Aam Aadmi Party leaders with Savio Henriques and others who joined the party on Tuesday.
MARGAO
In a significant political development that could strain Opposition unity in Goa, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has made a bold foray into the Cuncolim constituency — the home turf of Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao — as it moves to consolidate its base ahead of the upcoming elections.
The seriousness of AAP’s political ambitions in Cuncolim was underscored by the presence of several senior leaders, including former Delhi Mayor and Goa Co-incharge, Shelly Oberoi, AAP Goa State President Amit Palekar, National spokesperson Valmiki Naik, Gerson Gomes, Prashant Naik, who assembled in Margao to welcome former Chandor Sarpanch Savio Henriques into the party, along with his supporters and well-wishers.
Political observers are closely monitoring the developments, noting that AAP’s expansion into Alemao’s home turf may not have gone down well with the Congress leadership — or with Alemao himself. Notably, Yuri has often been seen as one of the few Congress leaders who enjoys cordial relations with the two AAP MLAs in Goa — Venzy Viegas (Benaulim) and Cruz Silva (Velim).
Incidentally, the two AAP MLAs were conspicuous by their absence at the media briefing called by AAP leaders to welcome Savio Henriques and others from Cuncolim into the party fold.
The development, however, has sent a message loud and clear that the Aam Aadmi Party is going about implementing its political agenda in all the constituencies to strengthen the party base across the constituencies.
This strategic move by AAP sends a clear signal: the party is no longer content to remain a marginal player and is now actively building its presence across constituencies, including those held by Opposition heavyweights.
AAP eyes Fatorda as next destination
Following its push into Cuncolim represented by Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao, sources within AAP confirm that the party has its sights set on Fatorda, the bastion of Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai. The expansion plan also includes Nuvem, Navelim, and Margao — prominent constituencies in the politically significant Salcete region.
Top AAP leaders, led by Goa desk in-charge and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Atishi Marlena, has already set its sights in Margao by initiating discussions with Prabhav Naik, the grandson of veteran politician and former minister late Babu Naik. While details remain under wraps, the dialogue signals a strategic outreach to local power centres.
In Nuvem and Navelim, party cadres are reportedly on the ground, working to strengthen AAP’s grassroots presence ahead of the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections.
“Of course, AAP has plans for Fatorda,” a senior party leader confirmed. “We are focused on building a strong organisation across Goa, and Fatorda is very much a part of that vision.”
Local vs outsider debate heats up
Shortly after joining AAP, Savio Henriques launched a direct attack on the Leader of Opposition, zeroing in on a long-standing local grievance: Alemao’s outsider status.
Henriques strongly asserted that Cuncolim deserves a leader from within the constituency. “People of Cuncolim have for long elected outsiders to represent them in the Legislative Assembly. It’s time to change that. We need someone from within the constituency,” he said.
He further criticised the lack of strong local leadership, noting that despite regular municipal elections, Cuncolim has failed to produce a formidable political figure to represent the constituency.
He further directed his tirade at Yuri saying that people are looking for a change since there’s resentment brewing across the constituency that the MLA is not available for the public.
“The upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections will be our litmus test. I am confident that AAP will make significant inroads. Our aim is to build a strong base in Cuncolim,” Henriques declared.
