Goa Forward Party’s move to induct former Canacona MLA Isidorebab Fernandes into the regional outfit has come as a God-sent opportunity for the Congress to regain the trust of its core voter base—still bruised from the 2022 defection saga. The Goa Congress has been battling an unprecedented trust deficit ever since eight of its legislators defected to the BJP after swearing an oath before the Almighty. The Isidore episode has now offered the Congress a chance to re-establish its credibility, even at the cost of losing an alliance partner. With the new party leadership adopting a no-compromise stance on defectors, the Congress appears determined to win back public trust and confidence. Wait and watch.
After GFP’s Isidore push, Cong reaffirms zero-defection stand
When the Congress leadership went into a huddle over the weekend to assess the political fallout of Goa Forward’s decision to induct former Canacona MLA Isidorebab into the regional party, there was complete unanimity in the room: defections and defectors
cannot be tolerated. Former GPCC chief Girishbab Chodankar—who has been waging a long legal battle against the defectors—was vocal in his opposition. Few understand the damage defections inflicted on the party during his tenure better than Girishbab himself. Any questions?
Vijai defends Isidore move as ZP strategy, but questions linger
Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai spent the weekend defending his party’s decision to induct Isidorebab into the party fold, insisting it was taken solely to secure the Poinguinim Zilla Panchayat seat. Vijaibab’s logic is straightforward: he wants senior party man and former student leader Prashantbab Naik elected. But what does this mean for his own constituency, Fatorda? Has the decision gone down well with his voter base? Only time will tell.
Local Cong leaders want Delhi to empower cadre, not coterie
Many Congressmen fear that the party in Goa could meet the same fate seen elsewhere if the coterie surrounding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserts too much influence in the State. While some have blamed the appointment of Krishna Allavaru as Bihar
in-charge for the Bihar debacle, local Congress leaders caution that proximity to Rahul Gandhi does not automatically translate into electoral gains. They hope the High Command takes note and begins grooming leaders and workers to take the party forward. Any questions?
Yuri channels father’s legacy with show of strength in Cuncolim
When it comes to organisation, Leader of the Opposition Yuribab Alemao is second to none. Like his father, Joaquimbab Alemao—known for his organisational acumen—Yuribab has demonstrated similar strengths. His mega birthday celebration on Sunday in his home constituency of Cuncolim offered a glimpse of his abilities. Besides throwing a big bash, he managed to bring together leaders from Goa Forward, Revolutionary Goans Party, and various Congress factions under one roof. Any questions?
