Team Goemkarponn
FATORDA: The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has indicated a more ambitious electoral roadmap ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, announcing that it may field candidates in as many as 25 constituencies, even as it continues to support the Congress in the upcoming Ponda by-election.
The decision emerged from the party’s State Executive meeting held on Monday, where leaders resolved to expand the organisation’s reach across Goa. The move is being viewed as part of a strategy to build a stronger and more independent political presence in the state.
GFP General Secretary Mohandas Lolienkar said the party is focused on strengthening its grassroots network and is preparing to contest a larger number of seats. While he reiterated that the primary goal remains to defeat the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, the announcement has sparked talk of the party positioning itself for a more prominent standalone role.
Despite this expansion plan, GFP confirmed that it will not field a candidate in the Ponda bypoll and will instead extend support to the Congress. Party leaders, however, made it clear that future alliance decisions would depend on feedback from the ground and the party’s organisational growth.
General Secretary (Organisation) Durgadas Kamat highlighted that the party is trying to balance alliance politics with its own expansion. He said there is public support for opposition unity, but emphasised the need for GFP to simultaneously strengthen itself.
Echoing similar views, General Secretary Prashant Naik said the party plans to set up organisational blocks across constituencies to revive its base and energise workers, which would help it contest more seats independently.
At the meeting, GFP also reinforced its stand on key public issues. Joint Secretary Vikas Bhagat expressed support for ongoing protests such as the Mirabag agitation and the “Enough is Enough” campaign, aligning the party with citizen concerns.
Party leaders also defended president Vijai Sardesai amid criticism from political opponents. Lolienkar said Sardesai’s presence in the Assembly was aimed at pushing for a Vote on Account through constitutional means.
Executive Member Fredy Travasso, meanwhile, attempted to ease friction within opposition ranks, noting that AICC Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare had distanced the Congress from remarks made by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao targeting Sardesai.
