Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: The political equation within Goa’s Opposition camp has come under fresh strain, with the Congress seeking clarity from the Goa Forward Party (GFP) over its association with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) under the “Goa First” platform.
The latest development follows renewed criticism of the Congress by the AAP over the issue of MLAs who have shifted allegiance to the BJP. Rather than responding directly to the AAP, Congress leaders have turned their attention towards the GFP and questioned its position on the alliance.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee chief Girish Chodankar had earlier raised objections to “Goa First” banners that accuse the Congress of betraying voters. Congress working president Sunil Kawthankar has now sought to know whether the GFP endorses the latest remarks made by its alliance partner against the Congress.
The Congress’ questions come against the backdrop of GFP chief Vijai Sardesai advocating a broader Opposition arrangement that would include the Congress. The call has created an apparent political contradiction, with the GFP expressing openness towards a larger Opposition front while its “Goa First” campaign continues to carry criticism of the Congress.
Congress leaders have therefore asked the GFP to spell out its preferred political course ahead of the next Assembly elections — whether it intends to work towards a wider Opposition grouping or continue its electoral understanding with the AAP.
Kawthankar has also sought a response from the GFP leadership to the AAP’s recent “ek kachori, do samosa” remark directed at the Congress, adding another point of contention between the Opposition parties.
The Congress’ approach is being viewed as an attempt to put the GFP in a position where it must clarify its political priorities. The regional party’s stand could assume significance as Opposition parties consider possible arrangements to take on the BJP in the upcoming electoral battle.
With the debate over Opposition unity gathering pace, the GFP now faces pressure to reconcile its “Goa First” partnership with the AAP with Sardesai’s call for a wider alliance that includes the Congress.
