Due to the reservation of wards for OBCs, STs, or women in the Zilla Panchayat elections, many political parties are struggling to find suitable candidates. Being in power, the BJP is managing to get candidates, but the Congress and other opposition parties are facing significant difficulties. As a result, finalizing candidates and forming an opposition alliance has been delayed.
Even though the election is near, the main opposition party, the Congress, has still not finalized its candidates. The State Election Commission has announced the reservation of constituencies for the North and South Goa Zilla Panchayat general elections. According to the notification, 18 constituencies have been reserved for women, 13 for OBCs, 6 for STs (including women), and 1 for SC candidates. Political parties are facing many challenges in finding OBC or ST candidates.
A valid caste verification certificate issued by the competent authority is mandatory for candidates. Parties are cautious due to the recent incident in the Banavali Zilla Panchayat. In the 2020 Zilla Panchayat elections, Aam Aadmi Party candidate Hazel Fernandes was elected from Banavali. His OBC certificate was declared invalid by the High Court, leading to the cancellation of his election and the need for a by-election.
Hazel belonged to the Christian Mest community, which the government has not yet included in the OBC category. To avoid such incidents in the future, political parties are being very careful.
MLA Viresh Borkar said he could not comment on political developments in Delhi. He said, “Discussions about the alliance are ongoing. But when you talk about an alliance, all parties must follow the principles of the alliance. Decisions must be announced jointly. We believe that those who switch parties should not be given space by allied parties. It is these party defectors who have ruined Goa.”
Waiting for the ‘Alliance’
While talks of an alliance between the Congress, Goa Forward, and RG remain uncertain, a sudden photo posted on social media on Sunday—showing RG chief Manoj Parab and MLA Viresh Borkar together on a flight—along with the caption “Stay tuned,” sparked widespread speculation.
Opposition Unity Is Necessary: Viresh Borkar
Speaking to the media after returning from Delhi, MLA Viresh Borkar said, “Our Delhi visit was to meet officials of the Central Election Commission. We submitted a memorandum requesting them not to rush the ongoing intensive revision of the electoral rolls and to ensure that the work is done properly. An alliance is necessary to keep the BJP out of power.”
