Will any Congress leader clarify the status of Opposition unity ahead of the Ponda by-poll? This question has now come to the forefront, especially after the Aam Aadmi Party announced its decision to contest the election. AAP’s move is significant, given that its MLAs and those of the Congress were, until recently, projecting a “bhai-bhai” camaraderie in the name of Opposition unity. That’s not all. The Goa Forward Party, too, appears to be gradually distancing itself from the Ponda by-poll following certain remarks directed at its chief, Vijaibab Sardesai. It now remains to be seen whether the Revolutionary Goans Party will enter the fray or stay neutral in the by-election.
Congress whiplash on Vijai keeps observers guessing
This may leave political observers intrigued. Just a week ago, Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai received a warm welcome at the Congress House when he went to extend birthday greetings to Goa Congress president Amitbab Patkar. Some Congress leaders even remarked that they were waiting for Vijaibab to return to the Congress. A week later, however,
Leader of the Opposition Yuribab Alemao led a “Judas”, “fixing” charge against Vijaibab over the Budget episode in the Assembly. Yuribab also recalled Vijaibab’s 2017 “honeymoon” with the BJP to underline his point. Do Congress workers who welcomed Vijaibab at the Congress House have anything to say now? Wait and watch.
From Assembly unity to constituency contest
The Congress Legislature wing may face an embarrassing situation—but for a different reason. It is not uncommon to see Congress MLAs, led by Yuribab Alemao, making common cause with AAP MLAs Venzybab Viegas and Cruzbab Silva in the spirit of Opposition unity. However, during elections, the Aam Aadmi Party often ends up crossing swords with Congress in constituencies where the latter has a strong base. Congress cadre witnessed this during the 2026 Zilla Panchayat polls. The upcoming Ponda by-poll will see AAP in the fray again in a constituency that has previously elected Congress MLAs. Any questions?
Iftar gathering turns into show of support for Damu
BJP president Damubab Naik must certainly be pleased with Goa Haj Committee chief Urfan Mulla. Mulla not only played a perfect host at his Iftar party—attended by Naik, PWD Minister Digambarbab Kamat, and NRI Commissioner Narendrabab Sawaikar—but also showered praise on the BJP president. He recalled how Fatorda residents had benefited from jobs thanks to Damubab and went on to say that Goa needs him. A known critic of Damubab’s arch rival, Vijaibab Sardesai, Mulla added that Naik’s return to the Assembly would not be difficult, especially with Kamat back in the BJP fold. Any questions?
Digambar link adds twist to Quepem’s political equation
Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader from Quepem Babu Kavlekar may well realise that it was former Congress leader—now PWD Minister in the BJP government—Digambarbab Kamat who played a key role in encouraging his arch rival and current MLA, Altonbab D’Costa, to contest against him in the 2022 Assembly elections. Altonbab has publicly acknowledged, in Digambarbab’s presence, that it was the Minister who initiated him into politics in 2022. Now that Digambarbab is part of the BJP fold, Babu must be anticipating his support in Quepem for the 2027 polls. Meanwhile, Altonbab appears content, noting that the PWD Minister is undertaking road development works in his constituency without any bias.
