PANAJI
The possibility of a three-party Opposition alliance involving the Congress, Goa Forward Party (GFP) and Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections has grown increasingly doubtful after former BJP MLA and defector Isidore Fernandes was inducted into the GFP. His entry has triggered discontent within both Congress and RGP ranks, stalling negotiations at a critical pre-poll moment.
Congress leaders are learnt to be treading cautiously on seat-sharing discussions, with several party members voicing strong objections over aligning with a party that has welcomed a known defector. Senior leaders fear that proceeding with the alliance could invite negative public perception and internal backlash.
The RGP has also taken an uncompromising stand, declaring it will not collaborate with GFP unless Fernandes is removed from the party. The RGP leadership has reiterated that any association with individuals linked to past defections violates the party’s core principles and undermines its anti-defection stance.
With Congress hesitant and the RGP shutting its doors on GFP under the present circumstances, the Opposition’s attempt to form a consolidated front appears to be losing momentum. The ZP polls”regarded as an important indicator ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections”may therefore see a fragmented Opposition unless parties resolve the deadlock soon. Leaders privately admit that future negotiations will depend on whether the GFP reconsiders Fernandes’ role within the organisation.
A high-level committee headed by GPCC president Amit Patkar held multiple rounds of consultations with Congress workers, during which strong resentment was expressed against tying up with GFP. “Yes, there is some unhappiness among the workers. That happens… we need to work on it. Ultimately, we have to respect the sentiments of the people of Goa,” Patkar told reporters after the meeting.
A senior Congress functionary revealed that talks with the RGP are nearly final, with the regional party demanding 10“12 seats. The RGP has specifically sought constituencies where the Congress has limited or negligible presence, including Madkai, Dharbandora, St Cruz and St Andre. However, the party remains firm in its opposition to any alliance that includes the GFP while Fernandes continues in its fold.
“Both Congress and RGP have conveyed their message clearly to the GFP. There is no room for defectors in this alliance. If the GFP wants to strengthen itself in Canacona, both we and the RGP are willing to support them”just not with Fernandes onboard,” the leader said.
Meanwhile, uncertainty persists as the RGP is simultaneously exploring a possible tie-up with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) should its discussions with the Congress fall through. RGP leader Manoj Parab has asked its workers to remain calm over alliance talks.
“The talks are in the final stage of alliance. I request our people not to get carried away with media reports and have patience,” he said.
With multiple scenarios still in play, it remains unclear whether the Congress-GFP talks will progress or ultimately collapse under mounting political pressure.
