Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Jun 15: Goa Forward Party (GFP) chief Vijai Sardesai on Sunday claimed that Goans want to be free of the BJP and announced the launch of ‘Operation Vijai’ in September ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections to remove the party from power.
Addressing supporters during his birthday celebrations, Sardesai described the forthcoming elections as Goa’s last opportunity to safeguard its future. Alleging widespread misgovernance, he claimed that the BJP was determined to remain in power “by hook or by crook” and accused the ruling party of looting the state.
“Goa’s debt has crossed Rs 15,000 crore. Jobs are being sold and multi-crore scams are rocking the state,” he alleged.
Sardesai announced that the GFP would launch ‘Operation Vijai’ from Anant Chaturdashi in September as part of its campaign to unseat the BJP government.
Taking a swipe at the Congress, he alleged that public resistance movements in Goa, including the Enough is Enough campaign and other protests against the government, had gained momentum because the principal opposition party had failed to perform its role effectively.
The GFP leader also claimed that after the 2022 Assembly elections, he had offered to merge his party with the Congress and sought the post of Leader of the Opposition. According to Sardesai, he had assured then Goa Congress in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao that he would step down as Leader of the Opposition if the Congress failed to win the North Goa Lok Sabha seat.
“However, the Congress did not accept my proposal and now it is time to move on with self-respect,” he said.
Stressing the importance of democracy, Sardesai said people should be the real high command rather than political leaders based in Delhi.
“The high command in Delhi does not care about Goa and its people,” he alleged.
Calling on political parties to take the 2026-27 electoral battle seriously, Sardesai said voters had already begun preparing for the polls and their aspirations must be respected.
“We have to bring a Goenkarpanacho sarkar in the new year,” he said, referring to a government rooted in Goan identity and interests.