Political observers watch closely as Phal Dessai, D’Costa and Kavlekar weigh their options amid uncertainty over their constituencies
MARGAO
As political parties and leaders across Goa await the Centre’s notification to initiate the implementation of political reservations for Scheduled Tribes (STs), attention has increasingly turned to three prominent political figures — BJP minister Subhash Phal Dessai, who represents the Sanguem constituency; Congress MLA Altone D’Costa from Quepem; and former Quepem MLA and ex-Dy CM Chandrakant Kavlekar (Quepem).
Political observers are closely examining the options available to these leaders and the possible political paths they may pursue if their constituencies are brought under the proposed ST reservation framework.
The issue has gained momentum following a recent meeting in New Delhi, where a Goa delegation led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the implementation of political reservations for Scheduled Tribes in the State.
Sources familiar with the developments said Phal Dessai, D’Costa and Kavlekar have become the focus of political discussions, with questions being raised about whether they would seek alternative constituencies or attempt to reinvent their political careers in new electoral battlegrounds if their existing constituencies fall under the reserved category.
Political analysts believe the challenge extends beyond individual leaders. Their respective parties — the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress — will also face critical decisions in balancing social justice objectives with electoral realities.
Phal Dessai weighs options beyond Sanguem
Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, the outspoken BJP leader representing the Sanguem constituency, could emerge as one of the first high-profile political casualties of Goa’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) reservation law.
Sources within the BJP and those close to the Minister say Phal Dessai is keen on contesting from the neighbouring Curchorem constituency if Sanguem becomes unavailable to him due to the reservation provisions. However, such a move may not have a smooth sailing, sources said.
For, Curchorem is represented by a senior BJP sitting MLA and former Minister Nilesh Cabral.
That’s not all. BJP leader Rohan Desai has emerged as a strong contender for the party ticket in Curchorem. His growing profile has intensified speculation over the constituency’s future candidate, raising questions about how the party could successfully pave the way for Phal Dessai’s entry.
Sources indicate that another option being discussed in political circles is a possible shift to Cuncolim, currently represented by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao.
Historically, the BJP has found limited success in Cuncolim. The party’s lone victory in the constituency came in the 2012 Assembly election, when its candidate Rajan Naik defeated former Minister Joaquim Alemao.
Observers are now closely watching Phal Dessai’s recent political outreach in Cuncolim. The Minister has been vocal on issues affecting local youth, particularly the alleged denial of employment opportunities at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Goa campus. His active involvement has fuelled speculation that he may be assessing the constituency as a potential alternative political base.
Velim, Navelim in D’Costa’s calculus
First-time Congress MLA Altone D’Costa, who emerged as a giant killer in the 2022 Assembly elections by defeating then Deputy Chief Minister and long-time Quepem MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar, is understood to be weighing his options should Quepem be reserved for ST candidates.
Political circles in Salcete are abuzz with reports that D’Costa could shift to another constituency within the taluka. While neighbouring Cuncolim appears to be ruled out as it is represented by Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao, sources said D’Costa may keep the option open to contest either from Velim or Navelim.
Sources close to the MLA said Velim is not unfamiliar territory for him. Apart from being a neighbouring constituency, D’Costa also has family roots in the area, with his mother hailing from Chinchinim village.
Navelim is another constituency being considered, sources added. However, any move by D’Costa would require careful political calculations, as both Navelim and Velim already have several Congress ticket aspirants actively lobbying for nominations ahead of the next Assembly polls.
Kavlekar exploring alternatives
Meanwhile, BJP leader and former Quepem MLA and ex-Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar, who has been preparing to reclaim the constituency after his defeat in 2022, could also find his plans disrupted if Quepem is reserved for ST candidates.
Sources close to Kavlekar indicated that he has been discussing various options with the party leadership and is examining alternative constituencies from where he could contest in 2027.
Neighbouring Cuncolim is believed to be one of the possibilities under consideration, particularly because areas such as Ambaulim and Balli villages were once part of the erstwhile Quepem constituency.
Although Kavlekar has remained tight-lipped about his future plans, his associates maintain that the former Deputy Chief Minister is determined to remain in the electoral fray and will contest the 2027 Assembly elections from a suitable constituency should Quepem be reserved for ST.
