Team Goemkarponn
Margao, June 20, 2025 — The 2027 Goa Assembly elections could turn into a family affair for the Alemaos, one of Salcete’s most storied political dynasties.
With four members of the extended Alemao clan likely to contest from key constituencies, Goan politics may witness a rare case of both dynasty consolidation and potential internal competition.
Former Chief Minister and seasoned Benaulim strongman Churchill Alemao has announced he will once again seek a mandate from his traditional bastion.
But what makes this race intriguing is that his nephew Warren Alemao, son of Churchill’s brother, has reportedly begun parallel political consultations, including a high-profile meeting with Goa Forward Party (GFP) chief Vijai Sardesai. The meeting has triggered speculation over a possible rift—and even a potential electoral face-off in Benaulim.
When asked about Warren’s sudden political stirrings, Churchill dismissed any tension, remarking: “There are no permanent friends or enemies in politics.” But sources close to the family suggest that all may not be well behind the scenes, with multiple members of the Alemao clan vying for relevance and control in Salcete politics.
Across constituency lines, Churchill’s daughter Valanka Alemao is gearing up for a comeback bid in Navelim, where she narrowly lost in 2022 to BJP’s Ulhas Tuenkar. The former South Goa Congress president is said to be working behind the scenes, rebuilding her grassroots network and preparing to reclaim lost ground.
Adding to the dynasty’s muscle is Yuri Alemao, Leader of the Opposition in the Goa Assembly and son of Churchill’s brother Joaquim Alemao. A sitting MLA from Cuncolim, Yuri is expected to recontest in 2027, positioning himself as the progressive face of the family and the Congress party’s top gun in South Goa.
Political observers are calling it the “Alemao Block” — a four-constituency stretch of South Goa potentially controlled or influenced by one family.
However, unity is far from guaranteed. With each member pursuing their own political path—some inside Congress, some with regional outfits, and some still undecided—the Alemaos may end up competing as much with each other as with their opponents.
“From dynasty to democracy, the Alemao family saga is both fascinating and fragile,” a senior political analyst said. “Whether they emerge as a united front or a fragmented force will determine their legacy—and possibly the outcome in Salcete.”
As Salcete gears up for Zilla Panchayat elections in November and municipal polls in 2026, all eyes will be on how this family epic unfolds.
