MARGAO
With the Indian National Congress announcing Ketan Bhatikar as its candidate for the upcoming Ponda by-poll, attention has now shifted to its alliance partner, the Goa Forward Party, and how it will navigate the contest.
The by-poll comes against the backdrop of recent tensions between the two parties, triggered by Congress leaders’ “match-fixing” and “setting” allegations aimed at Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai. The remarks have sparked discontent within the regional party, with some leaders even calling for a reassessment of the alliance.
Sources close to Sardesai indicated that the party was initially inclined to stay away from the Ponda by-poll. This cautious approach stems from the fact that the constituency was previously represented by former Chief Minister Ravi Naik, a prominent leader of the influential Bhandari community. Party insiders suggest that contesting the seat could be perceived as antagonising the community, a risk the party is keen to avoid.
“The party has decided to tread carefully in Ponda to ensure that no decision is seen as an affront to the Bhandari samaj,” a Goa Forward leader said.
Despite being an alliance partner of the Congress, the Goa Forward Party has yet to clarify its position on supporting Bhatikar. When contacted, Sardesai stated that party leaders would deliberate internally before arriving at a decision. He also noted that the Congress has not formally sought Goa Forward’s support so far.
Meanwhile, the presence of Congress Goa desk in-charge Manikrao Thakare in the State has fuelled speculation about possible efforts to mend ties and ease tensions between the two allies.
However, the recent war of words appears to have deepened the rift. On Tuesday, Goa Forward leaders Vikas Bhagat and Freddy Travasso publicly voiced their frustration, signalling growing unease within the party ranks. Bhagat, in particular, was categorical in urging the party leadership to reconsider its alliance with the Congress and explore an independent political path.
Although both leaders claimed they were speaking in their personal capacity, sources suggest their remarks reflect broader resentment within the party over the Congress’ recent comments targeting Sardesai.
This marks a rare instance of Goa Forward leaders openly calling on their party chief to reconsider ties with the Congress, underscoring the strain in what has so far been a key opposition alliance in the State.
The Goa Forward Party had supported the Congress candidate Captain Viriato Fernandes in the 2024 Lok Sabha election as part of the alliance. In the December 2025 Zilla Panchayat election, the Goa Forward had contested a couple of seats in alliance with the Congress, but had crossed swords against the candidates fielded by the Principal Opposition party in a couple of seats.
The regional party, however, had stayed away from the recent election for the Corporation of the City of Panaji.
AAP hints at Ponda entry, candidate in a day or two
MARGAO: With the Congress unveiling party candidate for the Ponda by-poll, the Arvind Kejriwal-headed Aam Aadmi Party is expected to shortlist party candidate in a day or two.
Party leader Prashant Naik told The Goan that the party will decide in a day or two on the party candidate for Ponda, indicating that AAP will contest the by-election. That AAP was readying for the Ponda by-poll had become evident when Arvind Kejriwal had descended in the taluka during his last visit to Goa. He had even promised to bring a turnaround at the Ponda sub-district hospital if the people of the taluka rally behind the party.
