Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Goa Forward Party (GFP) has announced a statewide outreach campaign ahead of the Assembly elections, with party president Vijai Sardesai asserting that the political influence of Gen Z has become impossible to ignore.
Speaking after the GFP state executive committee meeting on Sunday, Sardesai said young voters have emerged as a decisive force in public life and political parties must adapt to their aspirations.
He said recent youth-led movements reflected the growing ability of Gen Z to influence policy and public discourse. According to him, nearly half of Goa’s electorate belongs to this age group, making it essential for political parties to engage with their concerns.
Sardesai said GFP had already taken steps to involve young people in its organisational structure by including Gen Z representatives in party committees. He added that the party has been working on practical solutions to issues affecting the younger generation and intends to strengthen that engagement in the coming months.
As part of its preparations for the elections, GFP will undertake a yatra covering all Assembly constituencies from Pernem to Canacona. Sardesai said the campaign would also prioritise interaction with women, youth, Scheduled Tribe communities and minority groups.
Party leaders said the executive committee meeting lasted close to three hours, with extensive discussions on the impact of the recent Gen Z movement and its relevance to Goa’s political future.
The GFP chief also reaffirmed the party’s backing for the United Tribal Associations Alliance (UTAA) in its demand for political reservation for the Scheduled Tribe community, saying the party would continue to support the organisation’s efforts.
Commenting on his recent meeting with Goa Congress president Girish Chodankar regarding a possible pre-election alliance, Sardesai said the talks were still at a preliminary stage. He added that the GFP would move ahead with its public outreach programme irrespective of the outcome of those discussions.
