Goa is a small state with a total population of just 1.5 million, hence its political significance is also low compared to our neighbours Karnataka and Maharashtra given that it has just two Lok Sabha constituencies and one Rajya Sabha seat.
The State also has just 40 members of the Legislative Assembly.
As the electoral drumbeat resonates across Goa, the stage is set for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in the coastal state. Historically dominated by national parties like the BJP and Congress, Goa’s political landscape has witnessed a notable shift with the emergence of regional players, adding layers of complexity to the electoral dynamics.
In 2014, Narendra Modi was named Prime Minister candidate by BJP in Goa and the party won both seats – yes the south Goa too given the Congress has always had an upper hand in the constituency with BJP winning just twice since 1961.
In the last Lok Sabha elections, the BJP and Congress secured one seat each in Goa, underscoring their traditional dominance. However, with rising anti-incumbency sentiments and the growing influence of regional parties like the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, Revolutionary Goans and the Goa Forward Party, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections in Goa are expected to not only shape the state’s political trajectory but also potentially influence the national landscape.
Scheduled for May 7, the Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will be conducted in a single phase, owing to the state’s limited number of Lok Sabha seats. Goa comprises two parliamentary constituencies, namely North Goa and South Goa, where political rivalries between national parties like the BJP and Congress have been historically intense.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, the BJP emerged victorious in North Goa but lost South Goa, as its ally MGP then supported Congress candidate Francisco Sardinha, who won by a thin margin of 7000 votes.
Come 2024, the MGP is back in the NDA fold and has promised 80 per cent votes in the key constituency of Madkai.
However, the list of candidates for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections reflects the enduring rivalry between the BJP and Congress, with prominent leaders vying for electoral success. BJP announced its representatives Shripad Yesso Naik and Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo for the constituencies of North Goa and South Goa respectively, while former union minister Ramakant Khalap and ex-Indian Navy Capt. Viriato Fernandes will carry the Congress banner in those same constituencies.
Crucial for Dr Sawant to win…
The Chief Minister of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant seen as the future leader of BJP at the National level not only has to prove his mettle but also consolidate his position at the national level.
He is leaving no stone unturned and taking no chances so much so that he doing rallies both in North and South covering several
Kilometres besides campaigning for the party in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Winning both seats in Lok Sabha will definitely give him more bargaining power at the national level on crucial issues like Mhadei, coal and mining.
Yesterday Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant addressed the Navmatadar Sammelan at Nagpur, the homeland of RSS.
CM said, “Yuva Shakti is one of the pillars of the foundation of #ViksitBharat envisioned by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modiji and the efforts of Yuva Morcha play a pivotal role in reaching the grassroots, guided by the principle of Antyodaya.”
He also reiterated that under Modi Sarkar, initiatives like Start Up India, Stand Up India, Digital India, and Make In India, along with Skill Development programs and support through MUDRA Loans and PM Vishwakarma Yojana, have created avenues for self-employment and job opportunities for the youth of India.
CM stated that it is #ModiKiGuarantee to prioritize the progress of our youth and continue to empower them to create a bright future for our nation.
