In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has managed to retain control over both zilla panchayats in Goa for a third straight term. The results, declared on Monday, come despite the party facing governance challenges and anti-incumbency sentiments.
A Saffron Hold with Reduced Numbers
The BJP secured 29 out of the 50 seats across the state's two zilla panchayats. However, this marks a slight dip from its 2020 performance, where it had won 33 seats. The principal opposition, the Congress party, showcased a notable recovery by increasing its tally from a mere four seats in the last election to 10 seats this time. Political analysts suggest that a divided opposition field made it easier for the BJP-led alliance to edge out rivals in closely fought contests.
The elections also revived the fortunes of regional players. The Revolutionary Goans (RG) party made its electoral debut, winning two seats. The Goa Forward Party (GFP) managed to open its account. In a setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had two of its top leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, campaigning in the state, it could only retain the single seat it won in 2020. The BJP's alliance partner, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), won all three seats it contested.
Historic Turnout and Underlying Challenges
A defining feature of this election was the record-breaking voter participation. The state witnessed a historic turnout of 70.8%, the highest since the zilla panchayat polls began in 2005. While the BJP mobilized its cadre effectively to achieve this turnout, ostensibly as a pro-incumbency vote, the results revealed vulnerabilities.
The party faced stiff competition from independent candidates, exposing chinks in its armour. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant acknowledged that local party functionaries had let the organization down and promised corrective action. The outcome has undoubtedly energized the opposition, providing a clear signal that a united front could pose a serious challenge to the BJP in the future. With the state assembly elections just 14 months away, all political parties are expected to re-evaluate their strategies.
Regional Wins and Individual Setbacks
The BJP-MGP combine won 19 of the 25 seats in North Goa and 13 in South Goa. A significant win for the BJP came in the Curti seat, positioning the party strongly ahead of the crucial Ponda byelection, necessitated by the death of former agriculture minister Ravi Naik, scheduled in four months.
The results are also seen as a validation of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's leadership. Despite facing criticism over issues like a job scam, law and order, and the tragic fire at Arpora that claimed 25 lives, Sawant spearheaded the campaign aggressively. "By winning the ZP election, once again Sawant has emerged as an undisputed leader in BJP. He left no stone unturned to ensure the party’s victory," noted a political observer.
The BJP's strategy of inducting Congress defectors and fielding fresh faces in most constituencies paid dividends. However, the spotlight also fell on some BJP ministers and MLAs who underperformed. Fisheries Minister Nilkant Halarnkar failed to secure a single ZP seat for the party in his area, and former minister Govind Gaude could not ensure a victory in his own constituency.
For the Congress, which has been reeling from defections, the improved performance offers a new lease of life in Goa's politics. Yet, as another observer pointed out, "Congress, which was struggling with defectors, will have a new lease of life in state politics. But one thing is clear, without a united opposition, it will be difficult to stop BJP’s winning chariot in Goa." The stage is now set for an intense political battle leading up to the 2027 assembly elections.
