AAP allies with Goa Forward Party in the state:Alliance named ‘Goa First’; says people will get a real alternative in 2027 polls

The Goa Forward Party and the Aam Aadmi Party have joined hands to form the ‘Goa First’ alliance. Both parties described it as an initiative to provide the people of Goa with a real alternative. AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal is on a visit to Goa. The decision was announced during his visit. Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in Goa in February 2027. In the 2022 elections, AAP contested 39 of the state’s 40 seats and won two. The party secured 6.7% of the votes. The Goa Forward Party, meanwhile, contested only three seats in an alliance with the Congress and won one seat. Alliance said Goa will not be betrayed for the third time The alliance said the people of Goa had been betrayed twice and would not be betrayed for a third time. The statement also targeted the BJP and Congress, saying the two parties may fight each other during the elections. Both parties said the alliance had been formed to give the people of Goa a genuine alternative. Role of smaller parties and alliances in Goa politics Kingmaker power: Due to fractured verdicts, regional parties and independents can play a decisive role in forming the government. Small margin, big impact: Goa has small constituencies, where a split of 500–1,000 votes can determine the victory or defeat of major parties. Goa’s 4 biggest issues Environment and identity: Unchecked construction, deforestation, coal hub projects and the sale of land to outsiders are seen as threats to ‘Goemkarponn’ (Goan identity). Unemployment and brain drain: There is a shortage of white-collar and industrial jobs, prompting young people to migrate to Gulf countries and Europe, helped by Portuguese passports. Tourism crisis: Overtourism, poor infrastructure, the alleged high-handedness of taxi operators and a decline in foreign tourists are major concerns. Civic issues and corruption: Frequent power cuts, water shortages, poor roads and alleged ‘cash-for-jobs’ scams in government recruitment are key issues.