Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa’s political landscape could see the emergence of a new electoral combination ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Goa Forward Party (GFP) exploring the possibility of joining hands under a broader third-front arrangement.
Political sources said initial discussions have taken place between representatives of the two parties as they assess the possibility of putting together a common platform of forces outside the BJP-Congress axis. The proposed formation is being referred to as ‘Goa First’, although its final structure and constituents are yet to be decided.
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal is expected to play a key role in the proposed political initiative and could formally announce the front once discussions with potential partners progress.
The talks come against the backdrop of the Congress holding discussions with the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) over a possible electoral understanding. AAP and GFP, meanwhile, are understood to be examining whether a separate coalition of regional and non-Congress political forces can provide voters with another choice in the 2027 polls.
The possibility has gained traction following increased coordination between AAP and GFP legislators on issues inside the Goa Legislative Assembly as well as outside it. Their recent political exchanges have fuelled speculation that the cooperation could eventually translate into an electoral pact.
An AAP leader acknowledged that preliminary conversations had taken place, saying the two parties were examining ways in which like-minded groups could work together to take on the BJP.
“Both parties have underscored the need to dislodge the BJP in 2027. There have been informal discussions on how like-minded forces can come together and provide an alternative to the people of Goa,” the leader said.
According to the AAP leader, negotiations over constituencies may also be manageable if the two parties decide to proceed with an alliance. The leader pointed out that the electoral influence of AAP and GFP is concentrated in different pockets, limiting potential overlap.
“There could perhaps be an issue in three or four seats, but overall, seat-sharing should not be a major problem,” the leader said.
GFP has also acknowledged that it is considering alternatives as the party evaluates the political equations for the next Assembly election.
A GFP leader said the party was not ruling out the possibility of becoming part of a wider third-front arrangement, while expressing dissatisfaction over the pace of Congress-led alliance efforts.
“We have found the Congress not serious in pursuing the alliance. Our leader keeps repeating that the Congress would score a hat-trick of defections in 2027. Hence, we too are exploring other options to defeat the BJP in the coming elections,” the GFP leader said.
The proposed arrangement could extend beyond AAP and GFP if the two parties manage to reach an understanding. Regional groups, smaller political outfits and leaders who are not part of either the BJP or Congress camp could be approached as potential partners.
Sources also indicated that the Goa Congress Party and sections of existing regional political formations could figure in discussions as the proposed platform takes shape. However, there is no formal confirmation yet about their participation.
The key test for the proposed front will now be whether the informal political understanding between AAP and GFP can be converted into a structured alliance. Issues such as seat distribution, leadership, organisational coordination and a common campaign agenda will need to be settled before any formal announcement.
If the proposed ‘Goa First’ platform materialises, it could reshape the contest for the 2027 Assembly elections by seeking to consolidate voters looking beyond both the BJP and Congress.
With alliance discussions already underway across different political camps, Goa’s electoral battle is beginning to take shape well ahead of the polls.
