MAPUSA
As the campaign for the North Goa parliamentary seat gains momentum, attention turns towards the strength of local leaders and ground-level dynamics, particularly their rapport with constituents.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly nominated Union Minister Shripad Naik as its candidate, while the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) put forward its leader, Manoj Parab. The Congress, on the other hand, finalised former Union Minister Ramakant Khalap as its contender, completing a three-cornered contest in North Goa.
Significantly, several constituencies in Bardez will witness intense battles among party leaders, including local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), vying to demonstrate their influence.
BJP sitting pretty in Calangute
In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Calangute notably leaned towards Congress despite having a BJP MLA, Michael Lobo, leading.
However, this time, the grand old party faces a tougher challenge as many of its leaders have defected to the BJP, including Lobo, who got elected on Congress ticket in 2022 assembly polls.
Local Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira who unsuccessfully contested on the BJP symbol against Lobo is also firmly rooted with the saffron party.
Former two-time Calangute MLA Agnel Fernandes had quit Congress on the eve of the 2022 assembly elections and supported the Trinamool Congress candidate, Anthony Menezes. So far the stance of these two leaders are not known.
The Congress which is devoid of leaders with mass appeal in Calangute, is now relying on its traditional minority support base, but faces competition from the RGP, potentially complicating its prospects in the coastal constituency.
It's neo BJP leader vs
original cadre in Saligao
In Saligao, internal dynamics within the BJP are apparent, with MLA Kedar Naik's defection from Congress altering rivalries within the party.
Former MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar who unsuccessfully contested in Saligao on the BJP ticket cannot see eye to eye with Kedar.
Similarly, ex-tourism minister, Dilip Parulekar who vied for the North Goa parliamentary seat is also sulking for being constantly ignored.
But the situation of Congress is not all that pretty. The party vice president, Tulio D’Souza will have to shoulder major responsibility for the grand old party.
It's Cong's no-show against
BJP's internal rivalry in Siolim
Siolim presents a formidable front for the BJP, with MLA Delilah Lobo's switch from Congress bolstering the party's position alongside veteran leader Dayanand Mandrekar.
But the equation is not as simple as it appears to be in the constituency. Mandrekar’s feud with the Lobos is historic. The grouse against neo BJP leaders and the original karyakartas may just tip the balance.
Here too the Congress finds itself in a very uncomfortable position with very few leaders worth its salt who can make it a match for the grand old party.
Carlos has point
to prove in Aldona
In Aldona it will be a prestige issue for Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira who is also the campaign coordinator for the North Goa parliamentary seat for the grand old party.
The constituency emerges as a battleground for the Congress MLA, who faces stiff opposition from former BJP MLA Glen Ticlo.
Despite Ferreira's victory in the 2022 assembly polls, Ticlo's persistent engagement with constituents poses challenges for the incumbent.
The ex-BJP MLA has not only kept in touch with the voters but also has at least three village panchayats within his grip.
After the assembly polls, this will be another test for Ferreira to prove a point or two to his detractors.
Amidst these dynamics, the BJP appears to have a strategic advantage with its strong local network and deft management of intra-party tensions.
Conversely, the Congress struggles to assert dominance, relying on a few stalwarts amidst significant defections.
