In a candid conversation with Goemkarponn Editor Suraj Nandrekar, St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar of the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) speaks about the scrapping of the IIT project at Codar, the criticism that RGP only protests against development projects, and his vision for Goa ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Borkar, who has earned a reputation for being a fiery voice in the Assembly, insists that the RGP is not against education but against “land scams in the name of education.” He also opens up about working with other opposition parties, the question of Goan identity, and how his party is preparing at the grassroots level.
Suraj Nandrekar: Congratulations, Viresh. Finally, the IIT Goa project at Codar has been scrapped. What is your reaction?
Viresh Borkar: Thank you. The government’s decision to scrap the IIT project at Codar is a victory of the people of Goa, not of any political party. From day one, we had maintained that the location chosen was completely unsuitable. Whether it was at Canacona earlier, or Sanguem, or Codar, the government repeatedly tried to push the project into ecologically sensitive areas, fertile agricultural land, and tribal villages.
Every time the BJP government announces an IIT site, it is never in an urban settlement or barren land but always in green zones, hillsides, or villages with rich biodiversity. What does that tell you? It clearly shows that the motive is not education, but land dealing. These projects are a convenient excuse to push up land prices in surrounding areas, benefiting the real estate lobby.
The Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) stood shoulder to shoulder with the villagers in their fight. The decision to scrap Codar IIT is proof that when people unite, even the most powerful government has to bend.
Suraj: But why oppose educational institutions everywhere? You opposed at Melaulim, you opposed at Sanguem, and now at Codar. Don’t you want Goan students to study in prestigious institutions like IIT?
Viresh: Let me make this very clear. We are not against education, and certainly not against IITs. Education uplifts a society. But the issue is: at what cost, and where?
If you really want to bring IIT Goa, then why not use government-owned barren lands, or areas already identified for institutional use? Why acquire tribal land, destroy cashew plantations, agricultural fields, and disrupt the lives of farmers?
Look at Dharwad IIT in Karnataka. Even today, that campus is not functioning to full capacity. Why? Because the model itself is flawed. In Goa, the government claims the project needs 12 lakh square meters, but in reality, IIT requires almost 20 lakh square meters. Where will you find that much land in a small state like Goa without destroying livelihoods?
If the government is sincere, let them guarantee that 50 percent of seats in IIT Goa will be reserved for Goans. Till today, no chief minister has given that assurance. NITs, IITs, or any central institute in the country do not have domicile-based reservations. So what is the guarantee that Goan students will benefit?
The truth is, IIT Goa students will come from across India, while Goan students will still be forced to migrate outside for higher studies. In the name of IIT, our land will be taken, biodiversity destroyed, and locals displaced. That is why we oppose it.
Suraj: In the just-concluded Assembly session, you were seen single-handedly taking on the government. Within three years of being elected, you have shown immense maturity.
Viresh: I see it more as a responsibility than maturity. When I was first elected, I was new to legislative procedures. But over three years, I learned how the Assembly functions, how to frame questions, and how to use tools like Calling Attention and Private Members’ Bills. I must thank my colleagues, including Manoj Parab and our party workers, who guided me. I also acknowledge help from seasoned legislators who advised me on how to use the rules of procedure effectively.
Our goal is not to shout for the sake of headlines, but to raise real issues of Goans inside the Assembly and ensure the government is held accountable. Whether it is land scams, unemployment, or the destruction of Goa’s environment, these are the issues we take up relentlessly.
Suraj: You were also seen storming into the well of the House along with other opposition leaders. Does this mean RGP is finally joining hands with other opposition parties against the BJP?
Viresh: We have always said that on issues concerning Goa, we are ready to stand with anyone. During this session, the opposition presented a united face on certain issues. That does not mean we have merged with anyone, but yes, there was coordination.
Our party’s ideology is different, but when it comes to protecting Goa, there can be no ego or division. If the Congress, AAP, Goa Forward, or any other party raises a people’s issue, we will support it. Likewise, we expect their support when we raise something that matters to Goans.
Suraj: You have been fighting on the core issue of Goans and non-Goans. Who, according to you, is a Goan?
Viresh: For us, the definition is clear. A Goan is someone whose family roots are here, who has lived here for generations, and who identifies with Goa’s culture, language, and ethos. Merely
having a ration card or an Aadhaar card does not make someone Goan.We are not against anyone coming to Goa to work or settle peacefully. But we oppose the systematic attempt to dilute our identity by giving voting rights to recent migrants, by regularising illegal structures, and by handing over land to outsiders in the name of development. Goa is too small to absorb such demographic changes. If we do not protect the identity of Goans today, tomorrow Goa will exist only in history books.Suraj: Since 2022, you have often been labelled the B Team of the BJP. After a year’s silence, RGP is again active against the government. Critics say this is once again to divide votes in 2027. What is your view?Viresh: This “B Team” tag is propaganda spread by our opponents. If we were the BJP’s B Team, why would we be at the forefront of every protest against them? Why would we be the only party consistently exposing their land scams and corruption?
The truth is, when a new party challenges the status quo, established players feel threatened. So they label us. But people of Goa know who is truly fighting for them. In 2022, we won St Andre with no money, power, no family name, only with the support of common Goans. That itself proves our credibility. 2027 is far away, but let me assure you, RGP is here to strengthen Goans, not to help the BJP.
Suraj: Are protests the only way RGP will do politics in Goa, like how Arvind Kejriwal started in Delhi?
Viresh: Protests are not our only way, but they are necessary. When people are being harassed, when their lands are being taken, when the government ignores their pleas, what option is left? Goa has a rich history of protest—from the Opinion Poll to the Konkan Railway agitation.
At the same time, we are not limited to agitation. We are building grassroots leadership in every constituency, training our youth, and preparing them to lead responsibly. We also bring issues inside the Assembly, draft bills, and use legal remedies. Protest is one tool, but governance is our ultimate aim.
Suraj: How many seats does RGP expect to win in 2027?
Viresh: It is too early to put a number. We are not in the business of speculation. What we are doing right now is identifying local leaders in each constituency, building our organisation, and listening to the people.
By 2027, we will contest in multiple constituencies, but whether it is 5 seats or 15 seats, the focus will be on quality leadership. We want candidates who are grounded, respected in their communities, and who can truly represent Goans.
If the people of Goa bless us, we can emerge as a strong alternative. But even if we win fewer seats, our voice will be uncompromised, because we are not here for deals or compromises.
Suraj: Finally, what is your message to Goans?
Viresh: My message is simple. Goa belongs to us, and it is our duty to protect it. Whether it is land, language, or culture, no one else will fight for it if we don’t. The Revolutionary Goans Party was formed to give a political platform to the voice of common Goans.
We are not perfect, we are learning every day. But our intent is honest. Stand with us, and together we can ensure that Goa’s future is secured for our children.
