Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 24: The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has announced its support for Ketan Bhatikar of the Indian National Congress in the upcoming Ponda by-election, reaffirming its alliance with the Congress.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the party’s state executive, where GFP leaders emphasized their commitment to alliance politics and their strategy for the 2027 assembly elections. Party general secretary Mohandas Lolienkar stated that GFP will not field its own candidate in Ponda and will actively campaign against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in support of Congress.

The party also outlined plans to expand its organizational base across 25 to 30 constituencies in Goa. However, leaders clarified that this does not necessarily mean GFP will contest all those seats in the next assembly elections, noting that final decisions will be made in consultation with Congress.

Organisational secretary Durgadas Kamat stressed that strengthening the party at the grassroots level is essential to reinforcing the alliance and building a stronger opposition capable of forming the government in the future.

In addition, GFP announced that it will host a major public gathering at Lohia Maidan on May 30 to celebrate Goa’s Statehood Day and mark a decade since the party’s formation.