Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Dec 20: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is treating Saturday’s zilla panchayat elections as a crucial political test ahead of the 2027 Goa assembly polls, banking on an aggressive grassroots push to expand beyond its traditional stronghold of Salcete.
After opening its account with the Benaulim ZP seat in 2020 and winning two assembly seats in the 2022 elections, AAP has now fielded candidates in 40 of the 50 zilla panchayat seats, while extending support to an independent candidate in Arambol. The move marks the party’s most ambitious local-level campaign in the state so far.
In a clear strategic signal, AAP chose to stay away from an alliance with the Congress months before the polls, underscoring its intent to chart an independent political path. Party leaders say the decision is aimed at testing ground sentiment ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.
AAP’s Goa president Amit Palekar said the ZP polls would offer a preview of the next assembly contest. “People will get a taste of what 2027 holds. This is a trial, and there will be learnings for all political parties, particularly on the possibilities of an alliance,” he said.
Adding weight to the campaign, party supremo Arvind Kejriwal and former Delhi chief minister Atishi have been camping in Goa, carrying out door-to-door canvassing in areas including Anjuna, Chimbel, Velim and Betalbatim, an unusual show of top leadership involvement for local body elections.
AAP has centred its campaign on participatory governance, while launching sharp attacks on both the BJP and the Congress, accusing them of neglecting ground-level issues and perpetuating family politics. Kejriwal has highlighted AAP’s initiatives such as free health clinics, while stressing that no other major national leader has visited Goa for the ZP polls.
Palekar said voter anger over alleged corruption and the cost of basic services was fuelling demand for change. He added that larger parties should not take voters or smaller parties for granted.
With a fragmented opposition likely to favour the BJP, AAP hopes the ZP elections will also serve as a political lesson for the Congress ahead of 2027. For AAP, the real test will be whether its high-profile campaign converts into votes when ballots are cast on Saturday.