As newly-appointed GPCC president Girish Chodankar appears to be consolidating his position within the party, political observers are increasingly asking a pointed question to the camp that had opposed his return to the Congress helm: what next? Does the Amit Patkar camp still harbour hopes that the Congress high command may revisit or even roll back its decision? And if that possibility no longer exists, what course of action will the group adopt? Perhaps the answer will emerge by the end of June, as the anti-Girish camp is believed to have set July 1 as an informal deadline for the party leadership to act.
All eyes on Vijai’s birthday as GFP keeps Goa guessing ahead of 2027
Will Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai chart an independent course for his regional outfit, or will he continue the alliance with the Congress ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections? The question has dominated political discussions throughout the week. Sardesai has dropped enough hints to suggest that he is not averse to contesting the elections on his own. At the same time, he appears to be in no hurry to sever ties with the Congress. As Vijai gears up to host a lavish birthday celebration at the sprawling SGPDA ground on Sunday, political observers are wondering whether the Goa Forward Party may spring a surprise on the occasion. Time will tell.
Damu’s BJP-GFP alliance remark sparks speculation
BJP State president Damubab Naik’s recent remark that only the prevailing political situation would determine a possible BJP-Goa Forward alliance has triggered intense speculation in Saxtti political circles and beyond. The statement comes at a time when Vijaibab himself has not ruled out the possibility of going solo in 2027. Is Damubab merely keeping options open in the event the BJP falls short of a simple majority? Or was he reminding voters that Goa Forward had once shared an alliance with the BJP? Others believe the statement may provide fresh ammunition to Sardesai’s rivals, including the Congress, who accuse him of being the BJP’s “B-Team”. What exactly did the BJP leadership intend to convey through the State president’s remarks? Wait and watch.
Navelim rumours swirl after Churchill-Kharge meeting
What was Varca strongman Bab Churchill’s agenda during his meeting with Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi earlier this week? Well, Churchill, accompanied by daughter Valanka, called on Kharge just days after meeting newly-appointed GPCC chief Girishbab Chodankar. The veteran leader has already expressed his willingness to return to the Congress fold. Political circles are now abuzz with speculation that Churchill may seek a Congress ticket for his daughter from the Navelim constituency. It is a sheer coincidence that when the Churchill-Valanka duo called on Kharge, the Navelim Block Congress members firmly opposed nominating party candidate from outside the constituency. Any questions?
After opposition unity call, AAP now focuses on organisation
It was a week when the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party moved to strengthen its organisational structure in Goa ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The party appointed two co-in-charges for the State, along with several other office-bearers. Interestingly, these developments come just days after Goa AAP chief Valmiki Naik publicly urged the Congress to take the lead in forging opposition unity against the BJP. Interesting isn’t it? Wait and watch.
