In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through its state unit, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa faced a mass exodus on Monday. Five of its prominent functionaries, including the former state president and the acting chief, tendered their resignations, citing deep concerns over the party's internal functioning and decision-making processes.
Who Are the Leaders Who Stepped Down?
The resignations represent a substantial loss of leadership for AAP in the coastal state. The most notable names include Amit Palekar, the former state president of AAP Goa, and Shrikrishna Parab, who was serving as the acting state president. Joining them are state vice-president Sarfaraz, AAP youth wing president Rohan Naik, and vice-president Chetan Kamat. All five submitted their resignations from the primary membership of the party.
Reasons Behind the Mass Resignation
The leaders pointed to a combination of factors that led to their decision. In their communications, they highlighted serious issues such as opaqueness in internal decision-making and a lack of proper consultation. A specific point of contention was the unclear circumstances surrounding Amit Palekar's removal from the post of state president following the party's poor performance in the December Zilla Panchayat (ZP) elections.
Furthermore, the leaders expressed frustration over the absence of introspection after the ZP election results and growing confusion over potential political alliances in Goa ahead of future polls. Political observers noted that Palekar's exit was anticipated ever since the party's national leadership refused to consider an alliance with other opposition parties for the ZP polls.
A Record of Instability and Palekar's Stance
This episode marks a record of instability for AAP's Goa chapter. With Shrikrishna Parab's resignation, the party has now seen four state chiefs resign in succession. Before Palekar and Parab, leaders Rahul Mhambre and Elvis Gomes had also quit the party.
In his written resignation submitted to AAP's national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Goa in-charge Atishi, Amit Palekar clarified that his decision was "not in anger or haste" but was taken out of self-respect for his supporters and the St Cruz constituency. He recounted joining AAP inspired by its promises of transparency, internal democracy, and respect for grassroots workers.
"Over time, however, it became increasingly difficult to reconcile these ideals with the way decisions are presently taken and communicated," Palekar stated. "When dialogue and consultation are limited, and decisions flow only from the top, it does not weaken individuals but strains institutions." He also reaffirmed his belief in a united opposition for Goa's interests, calling his resignation a "new beginning." However, he did not reveal his future political plans or whether he would join the Congress or the Goa Forward Party (GFP).
The mass resignation deals a severe blow to AAP's organizational structure and morale in Goa, raising serious questions about its strategy and internal health in the state as it prepares for upcoming electoral battles.
