Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa’s opposition politics has entered a fresh phase of uncertainty, with the disappearance of GFP-AAP hoardings across the state fuelling speculation about a possible new regional front ahead of the Assembly elections.
The hoardings, which carried the message “Congress and BJP cheated you twice. Don’t let them cheat you the third time,” have reportedly disappeared from several locations, coming amid growing differences between the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the shape of opposition unity.
The development follows AAP’s demand that GFP chief Vijai Sardesai clarify his position on an alliance. AAP has since removed the GFP logo from its political artwork and reiterated that it stands with Goans and not with what it termed the “BJP-Congress joint venture”. The party has maintained that its Goa First platform is a non-BJP, non-Congress alternative.
Sardesai, however, has been advocating a broader opposition alliance, saying Goans want all anti-BJP forces to come together to defeat the ruling party.
“If we don’t do what people want, they will teach us a lesson. Goans want us to come together for rice-curry. I don’t know where this kachori-samosa came from,” Sardesai said.
Reacting to AAP’s statement, Sardesai said, “I am the representative of the people of Goa. I am with the people.”
Asked about the disappearance of the GFP-AAP hoardings, Sardesai said, “Maybe a new banner which Goans want will come,” while adding that he did not want the impact of “Delhi politics” to come to Goa.
Meanwhile, political circles are abuzz with talk of a third regional front taking shape in Goa. Though the proposed formation has not been formally announced, speculation is rife that dissident factions from some regional parties could join the new platform.
The developments have raised questions over the future of the GFP-AAP understanding and whether Goa’s opposition space could witness a significant realignment before the elections. For now, the composition and leadership of any new regional front remain under wraps.
