MAPUSA
As the curtains fall on the campaigning for the parliamentary elections set to take place on May 7, all eyes are on how major political players have navigated the intense battle for votes, particularly against the backdrop of scorching summer temperatures.
The BJP and the Congress, the two principal contenders in fray, embarked on distinct campaign trails, each with its own unique approach.
BJP’s aggressive start: The BJP, taking the lead, swiftly announced the candidature of veteran politician Shripad Naik for an unprecedented sixth term in North Goa. Later, amidst deliberations within both local and national leadership circles, they boldly introduced industrialist Pallavi Dempo as their candidate for South Goa.
This move, aimed at promoting gender representation and introducing a fresh face, stirred mixed reactions within the party ranks, indicating potential discontent among traditional BJP supporters.
The true impact of these decisions on party morale remains to be seen until the vote counting on June 4.
Cong’s strategic delay: In contrast, the Congress took a more measured approach, delaying the announcement of their candidates for both constituencies.
Finally, settling on former union minister Ramakant Khalap for North Goa and Kargil war veteran and activist Viriato Fernandes for South Goa, the party aimed to present a formidable challenge.
Khalap, with his extensive political experience, and Fernandes, with his military background and activism, were strategic choices intended to resonate with voters.
Regional dynamics: Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) took an early lead by announcing candidates for both seats, leveraging their local roots and potentially disrupting the dominance of national parties.
BJP’s strategic campaign: The BJP, leveraging its organizational machinery and governmental resources, embarked on an extensive door-to-door campaign and held numerous corner meetings to engage voters.
Additionally, the party orchestrated massive rallies featuring star campaigners such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. These events drew significant crowds giving much fillip to the BJP’s campaign both in the South and North Goa.
With the overwhelming support of ruling MLAs, panchayat members and councillors, the BJP has had a rollercoaster ride throughout this election campaign.
Cong’s local focus: Constrained by time and men power, the Congress opted for a more localized approach, emphasizing on corner meetings and addressing state-specific issues to connect with voters.
Despite the absence of high-profile rallies, the party managed to gain traction, causing concern for the ruling BJP.
Social media battleground: Both parties embraced social media as a critical tool for voter outreach, marking a shift in their campaign strategies. This digital battleground allowed them to disseminate their messages directly to the electorate, levelling the playing field in terms of communication reach.
Controversies and countermeasures: The campaign was not without its share of controversies, with the BJP attempting to discredit Congress candidates through various means, including amplifying out-of-context statements and circulating allegedly forged audio recordings.
However, these efforts failed to yield the desired results, indicating a resilient response from the Congress camp.
Issue-based campaigning: Throughout the campaign, the Congress focused on highlighting local issues, ranging from environmental concerns to economic challenges, effectively putting pressure on the BJP to address these pressing matters.
The Congress effectively targeted the BJP on critical issues such as the Mhadei River dispute, double tracking, coal handling, land-grab concerns, and broader issues like price rise and unemployment, resonating with the common voter.
As the campaign phase concludes, Goa braces itself for a crucial electoral showdown between the BJP and the Congress, with each party employing distinct strategies to sway the electorate.
While the BJP relied on its organizational prowess and high-profile rallies, the Congress banked on grassroots mobilization and issue-based campaigning. The outcome of this electoral battle will not only shape the political landscape of Goa but will also offer insights into the evolving dynamics of electoral politics in India.
