Team Goemkarponn
BENAULIM: Former Goa Tourism Minister Micky Pacheco has revived his association with the United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP) and joined the party as it prepares for the 2027 Goa Assembly elections. Pacheco has also become a member of the party’s executive committee, which includes 11 other advocates, and the party is now awaiting approval for its two-leaves election symbol, popularly referred to as “Don Panam.”
Pacheco announced that the UGDP intends to field candidates across Goa in the upcoming Assembly elections. He maintained that the party would not divide votes, arguing that several prospective candidates seeking Congress tickets could contest independently if denied nominations, potentially splitting the secular vote.
Pacheco has decided to contest the 2027 Assembly elections from Nuvem on a UGDP ticket. His wife is also expected to enter the electoral fray, with Pacheco stating that the decision is intended to avoid dynasty politics.
The former minister also criticised Amit Palekar for participating in the Goem Rakhon Yatra, questioning his involvement in the campaign in view of alleged links to land deals.
### Radharao Gracias says UGDP revival welcomed, but raises concerns over Congress tickets
Advocate Radharao Gracias said the UGDP had not conducted executive committee elections and had subsequently been allowed to lapse. However, he said some former members were now interested in reviving the party and had approached him and advocate Anacleto Viegas in this regard.
According to Gracias, the former Nuvem MLA had met advocate Anacleto Viegas and sought support for reviving the UGDP in Goa ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Gracias said they had no objection to the revival and were willing to provide a no-objection certificate (NOC).
At the same time, Gracias expressed the view that the Congress should not sell its ticket in Nuvem but should instead nominate a deserving candidate with a commitment to the party. He cautioned against giving tickets to candidates who might defect after being elected.
With the UGDP seeking to re-establish itself in Goa politics, its proposed statewide candidature and Pacheco’s return to the electoral arena could add a new dimension to the political contest ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
