Panaji, October 7, 2026: Goa’s newly formed “Goa First” alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Goa Forward Party (GFP) is facing fresh tension after GFP chief Vijai Sardesai publicly backed a broader opposition “grand alliance” that could include the Congress ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
GFP Pushes for Broader Opposition Front
Sardesai has argued that defeating the BJP may require a wider opposition coalition rather than a limited AAP-GFP arrangement.
He said public sentiment in Goa appeared to favour bringing together more anti-BJP parties, including the Congress.
AAP Rules Out Congress
AAP, however, has made it clear that it does not want Congress included in the Goa First alliance.
The party has accused Congress of failing to prevent defections to the BJP in the past and has asked GFP to clarify whether it remains committed to the existing alliance.
‘Goa First’ Alliance Formed Only Last Month
AAP and GFP announced their alliance on September 13, 2026, presenting it as an alternative to both BJP and Congress in Goa.
The latest disagreement has therefore emerged within weeks of the partnership being announced.
Alliance Hoardings Removed
Adding to speculation about a possible split, GFP has removed several “Goa First” alliance hoardings from locations across the state.
Sardesai acknowledged that his party had taken them down, while stopping short of formally announcing a break with AAP.
Congress Becomes Main Point of Disagreement
The central dispute is now over whether Congress should be part of a larger anti-BJP front.
GFP believes targeting the main opposition party could weaken efforts to defeat the BJP, while AAP continues to describe Congress and BJP as politically intertwined because of past defections.
2027 Goa Election Strategy in Focus
The disagreement comes as opposition parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 Goa Assembly election.
Whether AAP and GFP remain together or move towards different alliance structures could significantly reshape the state’s opposition politics.
Source – The Indian Express, Times of India
Supreme News Network
