MARGAO
Opposition unity in Goa has come under severe strain, with leaders of the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Goa Forward Party (GFP) publicly attacking one another on Monday, raising serious questions over the future of alliance among the three major non-BJP parties.
The latest flashpoint was a fresh war of words between Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai over the invitation to a meeting of Opposition MLAs convened ahead of the upcoming Assembly session. Adding to the discord, AAP working president Gerson Gomes launched a scathing attack on Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Girish Chodankar, accusing him of lacking seriousness in forging an alliance with the Arvind Kejriwal-led party. The public sparring among leaders from all three parties -- each hailing from Salcete – assumes significance as they seek to expand their political footprint and stake claim to a larger share of the Opposition space ahead of future electoral battles.
The developments come despite the three parties having worked together during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when they united behind Congress candidate Captain Viriato Fernandes, whose victory in the South Goa constituency was seen as a product of Opposition solidarity. However, while the parties continue to publicly advocate Opposition unity to take on the ruling BJP, each has simultaneously intensified efforts to strengthen its independent base across the State.
Vijai challenges Yuri over meeting invite
The dispute between Alemao and Sardesai centered on the alleged invitation to Monday’s meeting of Opposition MLAs.
After Alemao addressed the media in Panaji, maintaining that he had indeed sent Sardesai a message inviting him to the meeting, the Goa Forward chief once again denied receiving any such communication. Sardesai went a step further saying that his mobile phone and that of Yuri should be sent for forensic examination.
“I have checked my mobile phones, and I want to categorically state that I have not received any message from the Leader of Opposition” Sardesai said.
Questioning why he would falsely accuse Alemao of not inviting him, Sardesai pointed out that he had over the weekend met GPCC president Girish Chodankar to take forward discussions on strengthening ties between the Congress and the Goa Forward Party.
“I received only a two-second missed call from Yuri Alemao’s mobile phone at 5.07 pm. I am neither a pilot nor do I own an aircraft to reach the Assembly complex without being informed about the meeting”, Sardesai remarked.
Despite the growing differences within the Opposition camp, Sardesai maintained that he would continue to take on the BJP inside the Assembly, irrespective of whether the Opposition remains united.
