PANAJI
Amid continuing internal turmoil and organisational challenges, the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) on Sunday announced a new leadership team following a restructuring exercise it claimed was carried out through an internal democratic process.
At a meeting of the party’s State Council, Shavina S Naik Shirodkar was elected as the new State president. At 26, she becomes one of the youngest leaders to head a regional political party in Goa.
The party said the appointment reflects its commitment to giving greater representation to youth and women in politics.
The party noted that it is only the second time a woman has been entrusted with the leadership of a regional political party in Goa, after former Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) president Shashikala Kakodkar.
As part of the new State executive, Vipin Naik has been elected vice-president. Melvin D’Silva and Premanand Gavade have been appointed general secretary and organising general secretary respectively.
Jayendrath Padolkar will serve as secretary, while Candido Correia has been elected treasurer. The newly elected office-bearers pledged to work in accordance with the party constitution and uphold democratic values.
Addressing party workers, Naik Shirodkar thanked members for reposing faith in her leadership. She said strengthening the party at the grassroots level and aggressively taking up issues concerning Goans would be among her key priorities.
The new leadership also criticised the State government, alleging deterioration in law and order, irregularities in recruitment processes, rising accidents and growing concerns over women’s safety.
Party leaders said RGP would reorganise itself to intensify its opposition to the government on these issues.
With an eye on the 2027 Assembly elections, the party has begun preparations and plans to complete the formation of all district and block committees before Ganesh Chaturthi.
RGP also announced a statewide membership drive in the coming months.
Meanwhile, the party has constituted a special alliance committee under the leadership of Amol Navelkar to deliberate on a proposal for an alliance received from the Congress. The committee will hold discussions and initiate formal talks with opposition parties on possible electoral tie-ups, the party said.
