Dona Paula: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Goa Forward Party (GFP) on Sunday announced their pre-poll alliance, ‘Goa First’, for the 2027 Goa Assembly elections, offering a non-BJP, non-Congress alternative to voters in the coastal state.
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, announcing the alliance, told a press conference in Panaji on Sunday that the BJP would not secure a majority in the upcoming elections and that the ‘Goa First’ alliance would form the next government.
“The people of Goa want a change. Goa First will form the government. We will win on our own,” Kejriwal said while addressing a press conference in the presence of Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai, Delhi Leader of Opposition and AAP Goa Desk In-charge Atishi, and others.
He described the alliance as credible and honest, saying it was loyal to the people of Goa.
Kejriwal said both parties were equal partners in the alliance.
GFP President Vijai Sardesai said the alliance would provide an alternative to a government which, he alleged, was full of defectors.
He said the BJP had not received a complete mandate in the previous elections and that even the Congress leadership could not deny the possibility of another round of defections.
“It was important to form the alliance. We have formed the alliance with AAP, where prioritising the interests of Goa is the focus,” Sardesai said.
Sardesai said the alliance was open to more political forces and that like-minded parties could join it.
“This alliance has not closed its doors; it is open to like-minded political forces. Many people have approached us, including leaders from both parties who are tired of their politics,” he said.
In the current 40-seat Goa Legislative Assembly, AAP has two MLAs, while the Goa Forward Party has one. The Goa Forward Party was an alliance partner of the Congress in the 2022 elections.
