Current CM of Goa: Dr Pramod Sawant (BJP)
Leader of Opposition: Yuri Alemao (INC)
Nationalist Congress Party: Jose Philip D’Souza
Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party: Sudin Dhavaliar
Aam Aadmi Party Goa: Amit Palekar
Goa Forward Party: Vijay Sardesai
Revolutionar Goans Party: Manoj Parab
Goa’s political landscape is indeed diverse, with a mix of national and regional parties playing significant roles. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been a dominant force in recent years, while the Indian National Congress (INC) has a long history in the state. Regional parties like the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and the Goa Forward Party (GFP) have also been influential, often aligning with larger national parties to form coalitions. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) represent newer political movements, aiming to capture the local sentiments of Goans. The presence of other parties like the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shiv Sena, and Trinamool Congress adds to the complexity of the state’s politics, particularly during elections when alliances and defections can significantly impact outcomes.
The Goa Legislative Assembly is the unicameral legislative body of the state of Goa, India. It convenes at the Goa State Legislative Assembly Complex in Porvorim, Bardez. The Eighth Goa Legislative Assembly comprises 40 members. The Assembly is responsible for managing the state budget, allocating funds for social programs, agricultural development, and infrastructure projects. It also has the authority to propose and impose taxes.
Present Composition:
After September 14, 2022, when 8 Congress MLAs switched parties to join the BJP, the composition of the Goa Legislative Assembly shifted. The ruling NDA, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), now holds 33 seats, with the BJP itself having 28 seats, supported by 2 seats from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and 3 independents. The opposition under the I.N.D.I.A alliance consists of 7 seats, with the Indian National Congress (INC) holding 3 seats, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with 2 seats, the Goa Forward Party (GFP) with 1 seat, and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) with 1 seat. The total number of seats in the assembly remains 40.
History:
Following the end of Portuguese rule in 1961, Goa was initially placed under military administration led by Lieutenant General Kunhiraman Palat Candeth as Lieutenant-Governor. On June 8, 1962, military rule gave way to civilian governance when the Lieutenant-Governor formed an informal Consultative Council of 29 nominated members to assist in the territory’s administration. The first meeting of this Council took place on September 24, 1962, and was open to the public.
The Goa Legislative Assembly first convened on January 9, 1964, in the Secretariat building (Adil Shah’s Palace). This date is now commemorated annually as “Legislator’s Day” in Goa. In 1987, when Goa attained statehood, the number of Assembly seats was increased to 40. The Assembly now meets at the Goa State Legislative Assembly Complex in Porvorim, Bardez, a building whose construction began on January 22, 1994, and was completed on March 5, 2000.
Political Parties in Goa:
· Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): A national party with a strong presence, holding 20 out of 40 seats.
· Indian National Congress (INC): Another major national party with 11 out of 40 seats.
· Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): A newer national party, holding 2 out of 40 seats.
· All India Trinamool Congress (AITC): Despite being a national party, it has 0 out of 40 seats in Goa.
· Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP): A state party with a significant history in Goa, holding 2 out of 40 seats.
· Goa Forward Party (GFP): A regional party, holding 1 out of 40 seats.
· Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP): A relatively new state party, holding 1 out of 40 seats.