GFP chief hints at preponed state assembly elections

GFP president and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai offering prayers at the Dev Bodgeshwar temple in Mapusa on Sunday.

MAPUSA

Goa Forward Party (GFP) president and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on Sunday expressed apprehensions that the Goa Assembly elections, due in early 2027, could be advanced and held in December 2026, citing indications of the Census exercise being taken up next year.

Speaking to reporters in Mapusa after offering prayers at the Dev Bodgeshwar temple along with party office bearers, Sardesai said there was growing talk in political circles about the elections being preponed. “There are discussions that the Census will be undertaken next year and that is why the Assembly elections may be held earlier than scheduled,” he said.

Calling upon Goans to elect committed representatives, Sardesai said the State needed a political reset to “make Goa, Goa again.”

“For that to happen, some people have to be sent home and new, good people have to be elected. It is not entirely in my hands – much depends on God’s will as well,” he remarked.

Opposition unity

The GFP chief stressed the need for opposition unity, warning that a fragmented opposition would only benefit the BJP.

“If the Goa Forward Party goes alone, the BJP will get an opportunity and may return to power. Strategically, the opposition will have to come together,” he said.

Special status

Sardesai also welcomed Congress MP Viriato Fernandes’ move to table a Bill in Parliament seeking special status for Goa.

Terming it “interesting” and “achievable,” he said special status was essential to safeguard Goa’s land, forests and village identity.

“This special status does not have any financial demand. We want to protect our identity and it is also important to define who is a Goan,” he said.

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP-led government, Sardesai accused it of failing to protect Goa’s interests.

“The BJP is not willing to protect Goa. They want to sell Goa to ‘ghantar’. There is no use of a double-engine sarkar here,” he alleged.