Goa’s anti-BJP coalition teeters as AAP ally makes a case for ‘grand unity’

The anti-BJP coalition in Goa, which includes the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Goa Forward Party (GFP), appears to be unraveling only a month after its formation. The alliance, named "Goa First," was declared on September 13, positioning itself as a non-BJP, non-Congress platform to challenge the BJP-Congress partnership in the state.

Hoardings bearing the AAP and GFP symbols adorned the national highway, criticizing the BJP and Congress for their perceived cheating of the people, with the message, "Congress and BJP cheated you twice. Don't let them cheat you the third time."

However, recent developments suggest the alliance may be experiencing internal tensions. GFP president Vijai Sardesai has called for a "grand alliance" of all parties to defeat the BJP, sparking speculation of potential cooperation with the Congress. Sardesai emphasized that the people of Goa desire a unified front against the BJP, stating, "What do Goans want? They want a Mancurad, be it a Cardozo Mancurad or a Bardez Mancurad. But they want an original Mancurad."

Despite this call for unity, GFP president Vijai Sardesai clarified that no final decision has been made. He asserted that any potential alliance should not target the main opposition party, the Congress. The AAP, in response, has sought clarification from Sardesai, urging him to decide whether he supports the BJP-Congress coalition or aligns with the people of Goa.

AAP Goa president Valmiki Naik reaffirmed that Congress candidates have deep roots in the BJP and warned of a potential "hat-trick" of defections by the Congress. The AAP emphasized that Goa First is a "non-BJP, non-Congress" platform, echoing the party's stance from the past. In the 2022 elections, the BJP secured 20 out of the 40 seats, while the Congress received 11.

The GFP contested the polls in alliance with the Congress and won one seat, while the AAP won two seats.