“Borkar’s recent six-day hunger strike at Azad Maidan has arguably been a turning point. Hunger strikes are not new to Indian politics, but their impact depends on credibility and public connection. In this case, the protest transformed Borkar from a party functionary into a public figure with a wider appeal. The image of a young leader willing to endure physical hardship for a cause resonated strongly, particularly among young Goans who often feel disconnected from traditional politics.
What the protest demonstrated was not just endurance but also the power of nonviolent political action. In an era where aggressive rhetoric often dominates headlines, Borkar’s approach suggested a different path. It evoked an older tradition of protest that relied on moral pressure rather than intimidation.”
For years, the public identity of the Revolutionary Goans Party was closely tied to the assertive and often controversial style of Manoj Parab. His aggressive politics and confrontational language gave the party visibility, but it also created sharp divisions, not just with the ruling establishment but even within the broader political space. Today, that image appears to be changing. Increasingly, it is Viresh Borkar who is emerging as the new and more relatable face of the party.
The contrast between the two leaders could not be clearer. Where Manoj Parab cultivated an image built on aggression and confrontation, Viresh Borkar has projected calmness and restraint. That difference in temperament is now shaping public perception. Politics in Goa has often been personality-driven, and right now, Borkar’s personality is working to his advantage. He comes across as composed and focused, a leader willing to listen as much as he speaks. In a political climate often marked by noise and theatrics, that approach stands out.
Borkar’s recent six-day hunger strike at Azad Maidan has arguably been a turning point. Hunger strikes are not new to Indian politics, but their impact depends on credibility and public connection. In this case, the protest transformed Borkar from a party functionary into a public figure with a wider appeal. The image of a young leader willing to endure physical hardship for a cause resonated strongly, particularly among young Goans who often feel disconnected from traditional politics.
What the protest demonstrated was not just endurance but also the power of nonviolent political action. In an era where aggressive rhetoric often dominates headlines, Borkar’s approach suggested a different path. It evoked an older tradition of protest that relied on moral pressure rather than intimidation. That distinction has become central to his growing popularity. Many now see him as someone who represents conviction without hostility.
This is where the gap between Borkar and Parab becomes most visible. Manoj Parab’s critics have long accused him of arrogance, arguing that his style alienated not only political opponents but also potential allies. His remarks over time have drawn sharp reactions from both ruling party members and Opposition MLAs, creating an image of a leader constantly at odds with the political establishment. While confrontation can energize a support base, it can also limit a leader’s ability to expand beyond it.
Borkar, on the other hand, appears to be building a broader appeal. His youth is a factor, but it is not the only one. He represents a generation of Goans looking for a different kind of politics, one that combines assertiveness with civility. Many young people now see in him a leader who reflects their frustrations but also their aspirations. That connection is important in a state where youth engagement with politics has often been limited to moments of crisis.
There is also a symbolic shift taking place. The Revolutionary Goans Party has long positioned itself as a voice of Goan identity and regional rights. Under Parab, that message was often delivered in a confrontational tone. Under Borkar, the same message is being framed in a way that appears more inclusive and forward looking. The core issues remain the same, but the delivery is changing, and that change is making a difference.
Whether this transformation is lasting remains to be seen. Political momentum can be fleeting, and public admiration can fade as quickly as it rises. Borkar will eventually have to translate symbolism into sustained political work. Protests and hunger strikes can create visibility, but leadership is ultimately measured by long term impact.
For now, however, the shift is unmistakable. Viresh Borkar has moved beyond being just another party leader. He has become a recognizable figure in Goa’s political landscape, and for many, a symbol of a different kind of politics. In doing so, he has not only reshaped his own image but also begun to redefine the public face of the Revolutionary Goans Party.
If this trajectory continues, the party’s future identity may well be shaped less by confrontation and more by conviction. And in that transformation, Viresh Borkar appears set to play the central role.
