While the Goa Legislative Assembly elections are still two years on the horizon, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is already revving up its engines, seemingly in overdrive mode as it gears up for the electoral battle ahead.
The flurry of activity began following the election of new party president Damodar Naik, kickstarting a series of karyakarta meetings that are being conducted in every constituency almost daily.
This intense mobilization isn’t just happening at the grassroots level; important figures such as Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and senior ministers are actively participating, reinforcing the party’s commitment to engage with its base.
In stark contrast, the Indian National Congress (INC) appears to be lagging behind. The party seems entrapped in a cycle of what it does best—holding a few scattershot meetings at Azad Maidan and participating in non-essential protests.
While protests can indeed be effective tools for raising awareness, they hardly serve as a comprehensive strategy for electoral success. The party’s president, Amit Patkar, seems to have retreated from the limelight, leaving the party in a state of disarray, exacerbated by ongoing infighting.
Given this situation, one must ask: how will Congress manage to win the election with such a lack of visibility and cohesiveness?
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), aiming to position itself as a formidable player in Goa’s political landscape, has started its own volunteer meetings. However, they too will need to ramp up their efforts if they are to compete meaningfully against the BJP and reclaim the confidence of the electorate.
For Congress, relying solely on protests and agitations seems inadequate. Historical context is essential here: despite demonstrating against significant issues like double tracking, Mollem, and Mhadei ahead of the 2022 elections, these movements failed to translate into votes for Congress, highlighting a disconnect between protest actions and voter sentiment.
Remember, Congress even won the South Goa parliamentary seat by a very narrow margin, indicating that they may still have pockets of support, but definitely need a robust strategy to mobilize those voters effectively.
To reclaim its position as the principal opposition, Congress must take proactive steps. This involves not only engaging in booth-level workers and discussing about pertinent issues but also creating a clear and compelling narrative that resonates with the populace.
The electorate desires a party that can not only voice their concerns but also provide viable solutions to the pressing issues affecting Goa.
The BJP’s early mobilization signals its intent to engage and connect with voters ahead of the elections, potentially giving it a strong advantage. If Congress is to be a competitive force in 2027, it cannot afford to remain dormant. It must revitalize its strategies, engage its grassroots support, and prioritize the consolidation of its leadership.
In this battleground, the coming months will be crucial for Congress. Time is of the essence, and their ability to unify, energize, and inspire their base will determine their fate in the upcoming elections. Without a strategic reset, they risk ceding further ground to the BJP, which is clearly determined to make its mark long before voters even step into the ballot boxes.
