PANAJI
Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal wrapped up his whirlwind three-day tour of Goa on Sunday, leaving behind a trail of fiery speeches, door-to-door hustling, and a clear message: AAP is here to shake up the December 20 Zilla Panchayat elections.
The former Delhi chief minister and AAP national convenor didn’t mince words. At public meetings in both North and South Goa where he drew impressive crowds, Kejriwal accused the BJP-led Pramod Sawant government of running what he called an “extortion racket,” claiming businesses and nightclubs were forced to cough up bribes just to stay afloat.
“Goa deserves a government that works for the people, not one that collects hafta,” Kejriwal said and repeated in his public speeches at Xeldem, Chimbel and Betalbatim.
Kejriwal also took a swipe at the Congress, warning voters that backing the party was a wasted effort. “Every time you elect them, they end up joining the BJP. Why waste your vote?” he asked, urging Goans to give AAP a chance.
His campaign was backed by senior leaders Atishi, the two AAP MLAs -- Venzy Viegas and Cruz Silva -- and State president Amit Palekar, who joined him in door-to-door canvassing and volunteer pep talks.
The bigger picture
The Zilla Panchayat polls may not grab national headlines, but in Goa they’re a big deal. With 50 seats up for grabs, the elections are a litmus test for all parties ahead of the 2027 Assembly showdown.
BJP-MGP alliance
The ruling BJP, in tandem with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, is banking on its development pitch. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has been touting infrastructure projects and welfare schemes, brushing off the corruption charges levelled by Kejriwal and others.
Congress-GFP tie-up
The Congress, allied with the Goa Forward Party GFP), is fighting to stay relevant after defections hollowed out its Assembly strength. Their campaign leans heavily on protecting Goa’s identity and resisting what they call Delhi’s overreach.
RGP’s presence
RGP, which has built its limited footprint with identity politics and an appeal among younger voters, is contesting solo after its bid for a tie up with the Congress and the GFP ran foul. It is pitching itself as the political antidote to traditional politicians and their alleged corruption.
What’s at stake?
Zilla Panchayats may be grassroots bodies with no real power, but they do have political significance coming as it does ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.
For AAP, a strong showing would mark its first serious breakthrough in Goa’s politics. For BJP, it’s about tightening its grip. Congress and GFP are battling for survival, while RGP wants to prove it’s more than just a protest outfit.
As Kejriwal left, AAP’s campaign looked freshly charged but with multiple players in the fray and voters weighing promises against past performances, December 20 is shaping up to be an intriguing political battle.
