Guess the reaction of Goemkars to the Goa First alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Goa Forward Party (GFP). Well, it has not even been a week since the alliance was floated with much fanfare by leaders of the two parties, and the reaction is already there for all to see. Political observers say the Goa First alliance hasn’t evoked a positive reaction in minority-dominated Saxtti, the home turf of Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai and the two AAP MLAs, Venzybab Viegas and Cruzbab Silva. What about the rest of the State, particularly areas inhabited predominantly by members of the majority community? Wait and watch.
Goa First’s Opposition formula under scrutiny
The Goa First alliance stitched together by the Aam Aadmi Party and the Goa Forward Party has triggered a debate in political circles: Is it a non-BJP, non-Congress alliance, or is it an alliance of like-minded opposition parties? The question assumes significance for more reasons than one. While AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and local AAP leaders have described Goa First as a non-BJP, non-Congress alliance, Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai has maintained that Goa First offers a platform for all opposition parties to come together to defeat the BJP. However, the billboards carrying the AAP and GFP logos, accusing both the Congress and BJP of cheating, do not exactly suggest an open invitation to all parties. Any questions?
Vijai’s realignment talk sparks speculation
What exactly did Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai mean when he told the media that he is ready for a change and realignment following the formation of the Goa First alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party? Assuming that the Goa Forward chief remains open to doing business with the Congress in the 2027 Assembly elections, where would such a decision leave alliance partner AAP—which has been going to town proclaiming that Goa First is a non-BJP, non-Congress alliance? Indeed, many questions remain unanswered about the Goa First alliance, its political contours and, most importantly, its future. Wait and watch.
Girish keeps everyone guessing on Fatorda
Why is Goa State Congress chief Girish Chodankar seemingly shying away from entering the Fatorda battleground in the 2027 Assembly election, more so when he had some time back unveiled plans to contest the upcoming elections? With BJP State president Damubab Naik gearing up to take on his arch political rival, Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai, on the Fatorda turf, many had expected Girishbab to join the battle royal after announcing his plans for 2027. Or is it that Girishbab has much bigger plans for the upcoming polls, and is waiting for the party’s go-ahead signal to take on the BJP’s big fish? Wait and watch.
Fatorda battlefield: Viriato keeps the door open
As South Goa Congress MP Captain Viriatobab Fernandes appeared raring to descend on the Fatorda battlefield, a question began doing the rounds in Saxtti political circles and beyond: What if he emerges as a giant-killer? And why should he not stake a claim to the Chief Minister’s chair if the Congress manages to reach the magic figure of 21 MLAs? A loyal soldier of the Congress party and a war veteran, the former naval captain says he would not run away from the Fatorda battlefield if tasked by the party high command. Wait and watch.
