Goa Forward Party Expands Footprint Beyond Fatorda Ahead of Key Polls

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The Goa Forward Party (GFP), has announced its formal entry into Navelim constituency, marking a significant shift in its political strategy ahead of the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections.

GFP president Vijai Sardesai confirmed the move on Tuesday, stating that the party is looking to strengthen its presence in new constituencies, starting with Navelim. The expansion is the party’s first formal foray beyond its traditional Fatorda base since its inception.

“This is the first step which the party has taken to strengthen the party in Navelim,” Sardesai told reporters.

In a parallel development, GFP has also initiated groundwork in Margao in preparation for the 2026 Margao Municipal Council polls. The party, which had previously allied with former Margao MLA Digambar Kamat under the Margao Civic Alliance, now appears to be recalibrating its strategy independently following Kamat’s departure from the Opposition ranks.

Sardesai questioned the relevance of an Opposition alliance in Margao. “Is there any opposition in Margao to have an alliance?” he asked, adding that no other political force in the city has engaged with voters at the grassroots level.

Citing his party’s active role during the 2024 Lok Sabha campaign, Sardesai recalled supporting the Congress candidate on the ground in collaboration with former MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho. “There was no one else there on the ground in the election,” he said.

Highlighting public sentiment in Margao, Sardesai said people were seeking a strong voice to represent their concerns. “There is fear amongst the people. They need a voice and we will take care of their aspirations by entering Margao,” he said.

Sardesai also took a swipe at political opponents allegedly relying on financial muscle to secure candidates. “Money is not the only criteria to win elections. The candidates should have the people to back them. On our part, we are going to the people,” he asserted.