By: Shashank S. Narvekar (Councillor, Mapusa Municipal Council)
Mb No. 94235 43343
The political hold of the party in power over the Tivim constituency appears to be steadily weakening, with recent developments indicating that the Indian National Congress and other political forces have begun to capture ground once considered secure for the ruling dispensation. Tivim, earlier viewed as a relatively stable constituency for the party in power, today reflects clear signs of organisational fatigue, internal discord, and growing voter alienation.
One of the most telling indicators of this shift is the changing alignment of local panchayats. Several panchayats that traditionally stood with the ruling party are no longer firmly in its camp. As panchayats form the backbone of grassroots mobilisation, their movement away from the party in power has created political space that the Congress and other players have effectively occupied. This shift underscores a deeper crisis rooted not in ideology, but in the neglect of local workers, weak engagement, and an increasingly distant leader.
The recent Zilla Panchayat elections have further exposed this erosion. In Colvale, the seat was captured by an independent candidate, while in Sirsaim, the Indian National Congress emerged victorious. These results are politically significant, as local body elections often reflect unfiltered ground sentiment. Together, they indicate that opposition forces are consolidating their presence in Tivim by capitalising on the organisational decline and complacency of the ruling party.
At the heart of this downturn lies growing discontent among long-standing workers of the party in power. Many workers allege that the present leader has repeatedly hurt and demoralised them through indifference, lack of respect, and dismissive conduct. When grassroots workers approach the leader with genuine organisational or developmental concerns, they claim they are met with philosophical explanations instead of decisive action. Over time, this has bred frustration, disengagement, and a sense of alienation among those who once formed the backbone of the party’s local strength.
This alienation has had a direct impact on organisational effectiveness. Workers who earlier played a decisive role in booth management, voter mobilisation, and campaign outreach now appear indifferent or inactive. This vacuum has been effectively utilised by the Congress and other political groups, who have strengthened their foothold by engaging with disillusioned workers and responding more attentively to local grievances.
There is also a visible undercurrent of anti-incumbency in Tivim. The issue extends beyond development to matters of attitude, accessibility, and responsiveness. A careless and lacklustre approach by the present leader, coupled with a disconnect from grassroots realities, has intensified public dissatisfaction and weakened the traditional support base of the party in power.
If these warning signs continue to be ignored, Tivim risks slipping further out of the ruling party’s control. Course correction is still possible, but it demands serious introspection, humility, and genuine engagement with committed grassroots workers. A change in the leader’s approach—or the leader itself—now appears essential rather than optional.
Tivim today stands at a critical political crossroads. Whether the party in power can reclaim lost ground or whether the Congress and other parties will further entrench their influence will depend on how urgently internal grievances are addressed and trust is rebuilt at the grassroots. Without restoring respect and reconnecting with its cadre, local electoral setbacks may soon translate into deeper and more enduring political losses.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed are personal and analytical in nature and are intended to highlight emerging trends and concerns. They do not represent official statements of any political party or individual, nor are they intended to defame or prejudice any person or organisation. Electoral interpretations are subject to change, and readers are advised to consider multiple perspectives while forming their own conclusions.
