PANAJI
The Congress is expected to hold crucial alliance talks with the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) on Saturday, with seat-sharing negotiations likely to gather pace as the parties seek to finalise an electoral understanding ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
AICC Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakre, who arrived in Goa on Friday, said the Congress would meet parties interested in forging an alliance with it on Saturday.
GPCC president Girish Chodankar said discussions were already underway and that meetings would be held on Saturday, subject to the availability of leaders.
Seat-sharing talks
The negotiations are expected to focus on accommodating the demands of both regional parties while safeguarding the interests of Congress candidates and sitting MLAs.
The GFP has sought six constituencies as part of its proposed alliance with Congress: Fatorda, Canacona and Sanguem in South Goa, and Mandrem, Siolim and Saligao in North Goa. The party’s lone sitting MLA, Vijai Sardesai, represents Fatorda. Congress is understood to be favourably considering the demand.
RGP’s 16-seat demand
Accommodating the RGP, however, is expected to be a bigger challenge, with the party seeking a substantial share of constituencies. It initially demanded 16 seats, although negotiations are understood to be focused on settling for a mutually acceptable number.
RGP leader Viresh Borkar said the party remained optimistic about its demand and the possibility of an alliance with Congress.
“We are positive about our demand and forming an alliance with Congress. We have asked for 16 seats. Negotiations and coordination are ongoing, and the matter should be settled soon,” he said.
Congress faces balancing act
Congress will also have to factor in the demands of both regional parties, the claims of its three sitting MLAs, other prospective candidates and its established strongholds before finalising a seat-sharing formula.
