PANAJI
The Centre’s notification for political reservation for Goa’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities -- Gauda, Kunbi and Velip -- could dramatically alter the electoral equations if implemented at the 2027 Assembly polls.
The move is expected to carve out four reserved constituencies in the 40‑member House and the likely candidates include Sanguem, Quepem, Canacona and Nuvem or Dharbandora, all with significant tribal populations.
Politically, the impact is immediate. Parties will be compelled to field ST candidates in these seats, reshaping local and State-wide equations. The BJP, which has cultivated tribal leaders like Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, former minister Govind Gaude, Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar among others may gain from it and its organisational reach.
Yet, Opposition forces -- Congress, AAP, GFP and RGP -- also see opportunity to mobilise tribal discontent and challenge BJP’s dominance. It could also add to their complexities of hammering out seat adjustments and sharing in their quest for a united Opposition.
It will also be crucial which side Mission Political, the tribal organisation which spearheaded the demand for political reservation in recent years will throw their lot with and if any of its leaders will throw their hat in the electoral ring. Also, reserving four seats for STs could shift the balance of power in Goa’s Assembly -- an opportunity for the BJP to consolidate and also for the Opposition to capture fresh ground.
