Revolutionary Goans Party Withdraws from Ponda Bypoll, Throws Support Behind Congress Candidate
In a significant political development in Goa, the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) has announced it will not field a candidate for the upcoming Ponda byelection. Instead, the party has decided to support Congress candidate Ketan Bhatikar, aiming to prevent a victory by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Strategic Decision to Block BJP, Despite Lack of Formal Alliance Talks
RGP president Manoj Parab stated that the party's central election committee made this choice with the explicit goal of ensuring the BJP does not win the seat. "The party central election committee (CEC) decided not to put up a candidate for the Ponda bypoll because we intend that the BJP should not win," Parab explained.
He emphasized that this move demonstrates political maturity, even though the Congress leadership has not engaged in any formal alliance discussions. Parab noted that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had approached the RGP for support in Ponda, but the RGP opted to back Congress due to its status as the second-largest party in the state by vote share.
Future Alliance Prospects with Congress and AAP for 2027 Elections
Looking ahead, Parab expressed hope for a broad alliance involving Congress and AAP in the 2027 state elections. "In 2027, we hope to have a large alliance with Congress and AAP. Congress has the second-largest vote share in the state, and that is why we decided to support Congress for this bypoll," he said.
However, Parab made it clear that the RGP will not compromise its own electoral prospects in future contests. "The RGP will not sacrifice seats in future elections to favour Congress," he asserted, questioning Congress's strategy. "If Congress wants to defeat BJP, does it think that it can win without the RG?"
Committee to Be Formed for Alliance Talks Post-Ponda Bypoll
RGP MLA Viresh Borkar revealed that a committee will be established to negotiate alliances for the 2027 elections. This committee will initiate discussions with other political parties after the Ponda byelection concludes, adhering to a predetermined timeline.
"We will not wait until the last minute. Congress needs to stop being lazy and finalise things in the next two months," Borkar urged, highlighting the RGP's proactive approach to coalition-building.
This decision marks a pivotal moment in Goa's political landscape, as regional parties like the RGP seek to consolidate opposition forces against the BJP, setting the stage for potential realignments ahead of the 2027 state polls.
