How many seats will the Goa Forward Party contest in the 2027 Assembly elections? The question is increasingly doing the rounds in Saxtti political circles — and not without reason. The regional party has announced plans to strengthen its organisational blocks in 12 Assembly constituencies by Goa Statehood Day, with a second phase of expansion expected during the monsoon. The exercise has naturally triggered speculation over the party’s electoral ambitions. Is Goa Forward preparing to significantly expand its footprint in 2027? Or could the organisational push signal a possible decision to go it alone in the next Assembly polls? Political observers, for now, are keeping a close watch.
Min hits out at discrimination
against Goans in jobs at NIT
Social Welfare Minister Subhash Faldesai is known for his outspoken style — and he was once again at the centre of attention during a recent visit to his office in Cuncolim. Faldesai came out strongly against what he described as discrimination against Goan youth in recruitment at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Goa campus. What has added intrigue to the episode is the fact that the NIT Goa campus falls within the Cuncolim constituency represented by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao. Political observers are now trying to figure out whether there is a larger political message behind the minister taking up the cause of unemployed local youth. Wait and watch.
Mickky's poll plans in Benaulim
and impact of his comeback
Former Minister Mickky Pacheco’s plans to seek re-election from Benaulim have set political circles abuzz. As Mickky eyes a return to the constituency after nearly 15 years, observers are busy assessing the possible impact of his comeback on the existing players in the field — particularly AAP MLA Venzy Viegas and the Alemao camp. Mickky had scripted a major political upset in 2002 by defeating Varca strongman Churchill Alemao. Interestingly, two decades later, Venzy Viegas repeated a similar feat when he defeated Churchill in the 2022 Assembly elections, successfully consolidating anti-Alemao votes from pockets such as Colva — areas traditionally considered supportive of Mickky. Any questions?
Elvis, Ferdino remarks on Oppn’s
role have become talking point
The recent meeting of the Enough is Enough movement in Colva has generated fresh political chatter after remarks made by former bureaucrat Elvisbab Gomes after he publicly expressed disappointment over what he described as the opposition’s lack of active interest in the movement. He noted that the response from opposition parties had also fallen short of expectations. Movement convenor Justice (retd) Ferdino Rebello echoed similar sentiments, stating that while opposition parties had extended support in principle, they cannot take the movement for granted. The public remarks by the Elvis-Ferdino duo on the opposition’s role have now become a talking point in political circles.
All eyes on whether transfer order
at Colva PS will take effect
The Colva police station is back in the spotlight once again, though this time for a different reason. In a recent reshuffle, the Goa Police effected transfers of several Police Inspectors, including at Colva Police Station. According to the order, Valpoi PI Videsh Shirodkar has been transferred and posted to Colva, replacing PI Vikram Naik, who has been transferred to the Konkan Railway Police Station.
Notably, the transfer orders for both PI Shirodkar and PI Naik were initially issued late last year but were later stalled for reasons unknown. It now remains to be seen whether the latest transfer order at the Colva Police Station will finally take effect.
