Panaji, Oct 20 (PTI) - In a bid to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming 2027 state assembly polls, key leaders from the Congress and other Opposition parties in Goa are calling for unity. Leaders including Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and Altone D'Costa from Congress, along with Goa Forward Party's chief Vijai Sardesai and Revolutionary Goans Party's head Manoj Parab, gathered at an event in Fatorda, South Goa, on the eve of Diwali.
The event, organized by a group mentored by Sardesai, attracted thousands of attendees. Currently, in the 40-member Goa state assembly, the BJP holds 28 seats. Its ally, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, has 2 members, and 3 independents support the BJP, while the Congress has 3 seats, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) holds 2, and both the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) have 1 each.
Alemao emphasized the need for alliance, stating, "No political party can contest all the 40 assembly seats on its own." He cited the 2022 elections, explaining the necessity of uniting the 66 percent opposition to counter the BJP's 34 percent share.
A call for greater opposition unity was made, with Alemao criticizing AAP's stance against allying with Congress, suggesting divisive actions weaken their collective influence. "This is a message for those indulging in ‘paap’ (sin). If your party is contributing to that, it's time to reconsider," he asserted.
Sardesai, invoking Diwali's cultural symbolism, stated the festival's true essence lies in defeating evil, drawing parallels to the necessity for Goa's political reformation. While he acknowledged existing political disparities, he stressed the pressing need for opposition collaboration against BJP's governance, which they view as misrule.
Sardesai warned against potential cultural impositions, claiming that demands for making Hindi the official language of Goa might arise. Parab echoed the urgency of the united front, describing the current times as critical for Goa’s future and land preservation.
The gathering also addressed social justice concerns, highlighting the recent attack on social activist Rama Kankonkar. Sardesai criticized this incident involving a Scheduled Tribe member as a disregard for Goans, reiterating his commitment to the cause.
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