The political fate of South Goa's zilla panchayat is set to be decided in the crucible of Salcete, a taluka that has persistently remained the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Achilles heel in the state. Despite the party's dominance across Goa, its footprint in Salcete has been minimal. The voter sentiment across the nine crucial zilla panchayat constituencies here – Raia, Nuvem, Colva, Benaulim, Davorlim, Velim, Curtorim, Guirdolim, and Navelim – will be the decisive factor in the upcoming polls.
A Multi-Cornered Contest Replaces Congress Stronghold
A total of 42 candidates are contesting for the nine seats in Salcete, highlighting the intense competition. The political landscape has undergone a significant shift. What was once a reliable Congress bastion has now fragmented into a multi-cornered contest, largely due to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) successfully establishing a foothold. AAP currently holds the Velim and Benaulim assembly seats, making this election a critical test for the opposition's ability to mount a unified challenge against the BJP's statewide dominance.
The Congress, contesting in an alliance with the Goa Forward Party (GFP), is vying for eight seats, while GFP has been allocated one. However, the failure to forge a broader opposition coalition, including AAP, has left a section of the electorate disheartened. Anthony Fernandes, a voter from Benaulim, expressed a common sentiment, stating that a grand alliance was essential not just for these local polls but to build trust for the 2027 assembly elections. He warned that the current split in opposition votes might inadvertently benefit the BJP, despite a strong anti-incumbency mood in the region.
Internal Dissent and Ground Realities
For the Congress, this election is a crucial test of its ability to rebuild. After winning only three Salcete seats (Velim, Curtorim, Nuvem) in the 2020 ZP polls and losing eight MLAs to the BJP post the 2022 assembly elections, the party is looking to capitalize on its improved performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. However, internal discord over candidate selection is proving to be a hurdle. In constituencies like Davorlim, party workers have openly protested, alleging the ticket was given to a recent BJP supporter, confusing their traditional voter base and demoralizing grassroots workers.
In contrast, the AAP appears to have gained considerable ground through sustained, early campaigning. Having made history by winning the Benaulim ZP seat in 2020 and later the assembly segments, AAP workers have been active on the ground for months. Voter Maria Colaco from Velim noted that AAP's early presence compared to other parties made a significant difference. Political observers confirm that AAP's aggressive campaigning and Arvind Kejriwal's recent rallies have swayed fence-sitters, positioning the party as a credible alternative.
Strategic Plays and the Road to 2027
The BJP, acutely aware of its traditional weakness in Salcete, has adopted a strategic approach. The party is directly contesting only three seats and is supporting select independents in the remaining constituencies. It is focusing its efforts on retaining Davorlim and Guirdolim, which it won in 2020 largely due to a fractured opposition vote.
As AAP aims to retain Benaulim and make inroads in Colva, Nuvem, and Velim, the overall outcome in Salcete is more than just about zilla panchayat seats. It is a barometer for the political realignments and voter mood in South Goa. The results will offer critical insights into which party is successfully consolidating the anti-BJP vote and shaping the narrative for the larger battles ahead in the state's political arena.
