As Goa inches closer to the 2027 Assembly elections, the political landscape is beginning to buzz with familiar faces and revived narratives. One such re-emergence is that of Manoj Parab, chief of the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP), who has returned to the forefront after a conspicuous absence.
Known for his fiery rhetoric on issues such as illegal constructions, the migrant influx, and the Mhadei river crisis, Parab is once again beating the drum of Goemkarponn. But while the issues he raises are legitimate, his sudden return raises questions of political timing and responsibility.
To the attentive Goan voter, the concerns Parab brings to the table are not new. Goa has been grappling with illegal land encroachments, demographic shifts, and environmental degradation for years now. In his earlier campaigns, Parab carved a niche for himself by championing these very issues, successfully striking a chord with a large segment of voters—over a lakh, by some counts.
His grassroots approach and regionalist appeal gave RGP its first legislative win with Viresh Borkar, who has held the fort in Parab’s absence.
But herein lies the crux of the matter: where was Manoj Parab for the past year or more?
At a time when Goa faced intense political churn and when his party’s lone MLA was facing flak from all corners, Parab’s absence was not only puzzling but also disheartening to many of his supporters.
Politics, after all, is not a part-time pursuit. It demands consistent engagement, resilience in the face of criticism, and above all, a commitment to those who believe in your vision—even when the camera is off.
While RGP’s ideology may still resonate with a section of Goans, Parab’s vanishing act has created a credibility gap.
The burden of defending the party’s stance, its missteps, and its achievements fell squarely on Viresh Borkar’s shoulders.
To his credit, Borkar did not abandon ship. But the absence of the party’s founder at a time when leadership was most needed reflects poorly on the movement’s stability.
With the 2027 elections now in sight, Parab’s reappearance smacks of calculated timing. It feels less like a heartfelt return to the cause, and more like a political reboot designed to re-engage a voter base that may be slipping.
His familiar rhetoric against migrants—though rooted in genuine concern over unchecked urbanization and changing demographics—must be carefully calibrated so it doesn’t border on xenophobia.
Likewise, his environmental concerns, especially about the Mhadei, must be backed with consistent action, not seasonal soundbites.
That said, Parab’s return can still be meaningful—if he takes responsibility for the time lost, rebuilds the trust he once inspired, and shows a willingness to work collaboratively, not just as a loud voice of opposition but as a constructive player in Goa’s development.
Goa does not need more noise; it needs solutions.
It needs leaders who show up not just when votes are at stake, but also when the going gets tough.
If Manoj Parab is truly committed to his cause, now is the time to prove it—not with slogans, but with substance. The electorate is watching, and in 2027, it will decide whether his return is a revival of hope or just another seasonal pitch.
