Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, July 14: Tensions within Goa's Opposition bloc flared on Sunday as Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai publicly dismissed a joint Opposition strategy meeting called by Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao, just a day ahead of the crucial Goa Legislative Assembly session.

Calling the July 15 meeting a “mere formality,” Sardesai questioned both its timing and purpose, suggesting that it lacked the seriousness and preparation required to mount an effective challenge against the ruling government.

“This is nothing more than a last-minute ritual,” Sardesai told reporters. “Such meetings should be called as soon as the session is notified, not at the eleventh hour. By now, the groundwork is already done—questions submitted, motions raised. What’s left to coordinate?”

While stopping short of outright refusal, Sardesai’s strong criticism signals he may skip the meeting altogether. Drawing parallels to his recent boycott of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, he pointed out that opposition input had been rendered meaningless due to poor timing.

“The government has already bulldozed through the process. Like the BAC, this Opposition meeting is too little, too late,” he remarked, adding that with the opposition outnumbered 33 to 7 in the Assembly, early coordination was vital.

Sardesai expressed frustration over what he described as a token effort to appear active without truly strategizing to counter what he called “the murder of democracy being carried out by the Goa government.”

He also underlined that a well-timed Opposition meeting could have helped frame common questions, unified motions, and coordinated calling attention notices to ensure stronger legislative pressure. But, he said, that opportunity has now passed.

Notably, this isn’t the first sign of friction between Sardesai and Alemao. The two leaders have traded veiled criticisms in recent months, and Sunday’s remarks only deepen the rift within the Opposition ranks, raising concerns over unity and effectiveness during the upcoming session.

Whether Sardesai will attend the meeting or chart his own independent course remains to be seen—but the episode underscores the fragile cohesion of Goa's Opposition at a critical political juncture.