Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: With the 2027 Goa Assembly elections approaching, opposition parties have stepped up efforts to explore a broader political understanding, but differences over the timing and terms of an alliance continue to remain.
Congress leader Viresh Borkar said the party has invited the Goa Forward Party (GFP) for alliance discussions and that talks are being held at a preliminary level. He said issues such as a Common Minimum Programme and seat-sharing would be taken up after the party completes its ongoing internal restructuring and reconstitutes its committees.
Congress is also looking beyond the GFP. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said the party has initiated talks with the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as part of efforts to bring opposition forces together.
“We are the principal opposition party, and it is our duty to take the initiative,” Alemao said, stressing the need for opposition unity in the larger interest of Goa.
However, the GFP has maintained a cautious position. Party president Vijai Sardesai said there is no change in the decision to suspend alliance talks with Congress.
“It is our party’s decision. There is no change as of now. The GFP has suspended alliance talks with Congress. We will announce any development,” Sardesai said.
Sardesai also cited public concerns over the possibility of Congress repeating its “hat-trick” of defections, indicating that questions over political stability and credibility could influence the alliance debate.
GPCC president Girish Chodankar said Congress respects the GFP’s decision and remains ready to resume talks whenever the party is prepared.
“As GFP has halted the alliance talks, we have to respect their decision. We are waiting for GFP to restart the talks. We are ready,” Chodankar said.
The developments point to a wider opposition realignment taking shape in Goa, with Congress seeking to build a common front while individual parties weigh their own political interests, organisational priorities and electoral strategies. The key challenges ahead are expected to include seat-sharing, a Common Minimum Programme and building trust among alliance partners.
