There have been calls for regional parties and other answers to the BJP and the Congress for a while now. Today, Goa has far more parties than just the long-standing national parties and the MGP. You have AAP, which is slowly gaining support via a door-to-door campaign, Goa Forward, that has galvanized support in certain areas of Fatorda, Margao and the surrounding areas and many other parties that have found firm footing in Goa, including one formed by former RSS members.
Why did this happen? Was it because some of the bigger parties alienated a few members, or perhaps because splinter groups saw a chance and took it? Or is it because there are many who have become disillusioned with the current political scenario? It’s perhaps a little of everything, but there has been a lot of skepticism in recent times, not just with the incumbent government but with politics in general. AAP has seen many youth and influencers join the party, waving the flag of anti-corruption. They see all the obstacles in their path as being created by the bigger parties as part of a movement to discredit them. Then there are those who are joining and firming up foundations of regional parties. They claim that the national parties, including AAP, do not Goa’s best interests in mind.
It’s all a bit confusing really, in the sense that one doesn’t know who is actually saying the right thing. But at the end of the day, it’s about what make you relate to that one particular party. One of the biggest questions in people’s minds though, is whether all these parties will end up splitting the vote, or trade in money for a seat or a coalition. Those questions are completely justified really.
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No one can stop political parties from cropping up as it’s within the constitution. I feel that the people now are more aware as there are various forms of media today which keep people in the loop. People are smart and they know very well which parties are here to split votes and which parties are in the race to form the government.
Shawn Martins, ZP member
Goans have realised the note for vote bank politics is a five year business. So Goenkars have begun to participate in a political revolution to have leaders that are non-corrupt, non-communal and have no criminal records. The split in votes based on the number of political parties cropping up is a non-issue. The results of forth coming general election will be the report card, based on non-performance, U-turns, corruption, non-inclusiveness and non-accountability. Goenkars are intelligent. No one can play with their hope and faith.
Cecille Rodrigues, dance instructor
I think the aim of 'some' of the new political parties cropping up is to purposefully split votes and help the bigger parties. Such parties, if they win, will form alliance with bigger parties to retain power. And so, it is our responsibility to not fall prey, to vote for the right candidate that truly represents our needs, has a clean background, and is part of a party with the right principles and ideology.
Axel D’Souza, entrepreneur
