The recently formed Goa First alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Goa Forward Party appears to have come under the scanner of political observers. The reason seems simple. Following the alliance, differences in viewpoint have emerged between the partners over a fundamental question: whether Goa First is a non-BJP and non-Congress alliance, as announced by AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, or a non-BJP front comprising all opposition parties, including the Congress. If sources are to be believed, the Goa Forward leadership’s assertion that the party is open to public sentiment has further raised questions over the alliance’s basic character. Is Goa First a non-BJP, non-Congress alliance, or is it a broader non-BJP front? Wait and watch.
Mystery over deleted Anjali’s social media post against Vijai
Mystery surrounds a social media post by Congress Goa Desk Secretary Anjalibai Nimbalkar targeting Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai, which was subsequently deleted. A glance at Anjalibai’s post suggested that the Congress leadership had taken the lead in attacking the Goa Forward chief. Her reference to the 2017 episode, when the Goa Forward Party supported the BJP in forming the government, indicated that the Congress had seemingly decided to fire all cylinders at its alliance partner. The post, however, soon disappeared, adding another layer of mystery and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding its deletion and whether it was removed following instructions from the party leadership. Wait and watch.
Shivakumar’s Goa visit puts Vijai equation in focus
This may make for interesting reading. Amid the ongoing war of words between the Congress and the Goa Forward Party, reports did the rounds that Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar was expected to visit the State. The purpose of his proposed visit remained unclear. It was also not immediately known whether the local Congress unit had invited the Karnataka Chief Minister to participate in the Goem Rakhon Yatra. The reports, however, assumed significance against the backdrop of Shivakumar’s close rapport with Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai. Political observers recalled that Vijaibab was among the political leaders seated on the dais during Shivakumar’s oath-taking ceremony. Any questions?
Rahul-Priyanka joining Goem Rakhon Yatra creates a buzz
The Congress party’s announcement that its national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, will join the Goem Rakhon Yatra has created a buzz within Congress circles and beyond. The fact that the Rahul-Priyanka duo is expected to hit the Goa election campaign trail early, party sources indicate that the national leadership intends to play a prominent role in the State’s electoral campaign. While the itinerary of the party’s top leaders is still being finalised, Rahul Gandhi is expected to arrive in Goa for the culmination of the yatra at Cuncolim, the constituency represented by Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao. Any questions?
Post Cong-RGP, AAP-GFP alliances, other players face political squeeze
Is there still space for any new or additional non-BJP political parties to try their luck in the upcoming Assembly polls post-formation of the Cong-RGP and AAP-GFP alliances? With several established political players and new entrants already in the political arena, some may now find themselves without a platform to contest the 2027 elections. How will these political players go about their plans for the 2027 polls? Will they look for new alliances, explore other political platforms, or choose to go it alone? Wait and watch.
