Quepem, Sanguem, Priol and Nuvem dominate discussions as move could reshape electoral strategies across party lines
File photo of BJP top brass celebrate the passage of the political reservation Bills with the party’s ST MLAs.
MARGAO
As the ST political reservation buzz intensifies with a BJP delegation led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant calling on Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, the focus has shifted to likely reserved constituencies.
Indeed, as a BJP delegation from Goa was in the national capital to press for the implementation of political reservations for Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities ahead of the 2027 Assembly election, the development has reignited intense speculation across the State over which Assembly constituencies are likely to be reserved for ST candidates once the long-pending proposal is implemented via a notification.
Even as BJP leaders sought to secure the Centre’s support for political representation of ST communities, political circles back home were abuzz with discussions over the possible constituencies that may come under the reservation ambit. The debate has particularly intensified in the constituencies of Quepem, Sanguem, Priol and Nuvem, where political workers, community leaders and voters are closely tracking developments that could significantly alter the electoral landscape.
The buzz in both political and administrative circles is that these four constituencies, owing to their sizeable Scheduled Tribe population, are among the strongest contenders for reservation. However, neither ST leaders nor government officials have publicly indicated which seats are likely to be earmarked, fuelling further speculation.
Among the constituencies under discussion, Quepem and Sanguem are located in talukas that have a substantial tribal population and a long history of ST political mobilisation. Priol, one of the four Assembly constituencies in Ponda taluka, is also considered a strong candidate due to the significant presence of tribal communities in the region.
Nuvem, one of the eight Assembly constituencies in Salcete taluka, has likewise emerged as a possible contender. The constituency encompasses villages such as Nagoa, Verna, Nuvem and Loutolim, where Scheduled Tribe communities constitute a notable segment of the electorate.
The prospect of reservation has sparked widespread discussions about the future of several political heavyweights and aspiring candidates who have traditionally contested from these constituencies. Political observers say the eventual notification of reserved seats could trigger a major realignment of electoral strategies, compelling established leaders to either seek alternative constituencies or recalibrate their political plans ahead of the 2027 polls.
With the issue of political reservation for Scheduled Tribes gaining momentum and the Centre expected to take a call in due course, all eyes are now on the next steps in the process. Until an official announcement is made, speculation over the likely reserved constituencies is expected to continue dominating Goa’s political discourse in the coming days and weeks.
