MAPUSA
The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Goa are poised to witness heightened scrutiny of the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP), a regional entity making its debut in parliamentary contest after a notable entry into the assembly election.
While RGP’s performance in the 2022 assembly polls drew attention, it was largely perceived as a vote-cutter, inadvertently aiding the BJP in some instances.
PROACTIVE APPROACH
In the Lok Sabha arena, RGP has been proactive, being the first to announce its candidates for both seats in Goa. This move reflects the party’s ambition to consolidate its presence beyond the state legislative level. However, challenges loom large as it aims to shed its image as merely a spoiler for larger parties.
During the assembly polls, RGP contested 38 seats, notably absent in two constituencies – Aldona and Porvorim – in North Goa.
Although the party garnered a significant vote share, its impact was most pronounced in constituencies where it acted as a vote splitter, influencing electoral outcomes in favour of competitors. This strategic position raises questions about its role in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Key figures within RGP, such as its chief, Manoj Parab, have already demonstrated their ability to sway outcomes, evident in Parab’s role in the defeat of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate in the Tivim constituency.
Noteworthy is the varying vote counts RGP secured across different constituencies, indicating pockets of influence that the party seeks to leverage in the Lok Sabha race. However, the transition to national-level politics presents formidable obstacles for RGP.
TOUGH FIGHT
In North Goa, it faces formidable opponents in the BJP’s Shripad Naik, a seasoned union minister and five-time incumbent, and Ramakant Khalap of the Congress, a seasoned political heavyweight.
Similarly, its South Goa candidate Rubert Pereira faces the noted industrialist Pallavi Dempo of the BJP and a former naval officer and activist Viriato Fernandes of the Congress. Despite its early candidate announcements and grassroots campaigning, RGP must confront the reality of challenging established national parties with entrenched support bases.
FOCUS ON LOCAL ISSUES
RGP’s campaign strategy emphasizes local issues and grassroots engagement, tapping into the energy of its youth cadre to connect with voters. Yet, the dynamics of a Lok Sabha election differ significantly from those of assembly polls, necessitating a nuanced approach to sustain momentum and appeal to a broader electorate.
The pivotal question remains whether RGP can translate its assembly success into meaningful gains on the national stage, or if it will be relegated to its perceived role as a vote cutter. As the political landscape in Goa braces for a three-cornered contest, the Revolutionary Goans Party faces a critical test of its viability and relevance beyond regional confines.
