“It is important to recognize the context. Despite the BJP’s internal infighting, exemplified by incidents such as the Rama Kankonkar assault, the party was able to secure its legislative majority and carry the Speaker vote without any visible difficulty. The numbers on paper, reinforced by eight defecting MLAs, make a contest nearly impossible. This should have been a signal to the Opposition that their energy would be better spent strengthening internal unity, rather than chasing the unlikely scenario of cross-voting from a ruling party already in control.”
The election of Sanvordem MLA Ganesh Gaonkar as the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly passed without any drama, confirming what everyone had anticipated. With a 33-7 vote in favor of the ruling party, the process underscored one simple fact: the Speaker’s election, in this instance, was more a procedural formality than a contest. The smoothness of the process should be acknowledged as a positive, signaling that the Assembly can handle its key responsibilities without unnecessary disruption.
Yet, amidst this calm, Opposition leaders, including LoP Yuri Alemao, have focused on the possibility of cross-voting from the ruling side, rather than on the bigger picture—the need to consolidate their own ranks. Speculating on defections or unexpected support from BJP legislators may make for political theater, but it diverts attention from the core responsibility of the Opposition: maintaining cohesion and presenting a credible alternative to the electorate.
It is important to recognize the context. Despite the BJP’s internal infighting, exemplified by incidents such as the Rama Kankonkar assault, the party was able to secure its legislative majority and carry the Speaker vote without any visible difficulty. The numbers on paper, reinforced by eight defecting MLAs, make a contest nearly impossible. This should have been a signal to the Opposition that their energy would be better spent strengthening internal unity, rather than chasing the unlikely scenario of cross-voting from a ruling party already in control.
The Opposition’s current dilemma highlights a larger issue. In the Assembly, AAP and Congress have shown the ability to cooperate, but outside the House, they often behave as adversaries. Other independent legislators and smaller parties face similar contradictions, making the Opposition appear fragmented and reactive rather than strategic. If the Opposition is serious about challenging the ruling party in future elections, the priority must be internal coordination and clarity of purpose, rather than speculative politics about defections or cross-voting.
The Speaker’s election also offers a subtle lesson for Goan politics. Smooth procedural outcomes are possible when institutions function as intended, even in a volatile political environment. The ruling party’s ability to manage its numbers, despite internal tensions, demonstrates operational discipline. For the Opposition, this is a reminder that speculation about the other side’s weaknesses cannot substitute for their own organizational strength. Unity and clarity of strategy are far more effective than hoping for political surprises in Assembly votes.
In short, the Speaker election should be seen as a procedural success for the Assembly, not as a trigger for tactical speculation. The ruling side demonstrated the strength of numbers and internal coordination, while the Opposition revealed the need to focus inward. For LoP Yuri Alemao and other Opposition leaders, the task is clear: consolidate, strategize, and present a coherent front to the voters. Obsessing over cross-voting from a ruling party that already commands a clear majority is a distraction that risks undermining credibility and public confidence.
Goa’s political observers should take note. While the Speaker’s election passed without hiccups, the real test for the Opposition lies not in Assembly vote surprises but in building unity, policy clarity, and electoral credibility. Until that happens, procedural victories for the ruling party will continue to highlight the Opposition’s missed opportunities.
