The familiar argument of the Opposition, that the ruling party is stifling their voice and obstructing crucial discussions in the House has once again resurfaced. Their complaints are not without merit. The government, through procedural manoeuvring, such as shortening the session under the pretext of the budget, has skilfully dodged difficult questions. Furthermore, the opposition alleges that they are not receiving the full time allocated by the Business Advisory Committee. While these claims hold truth, the underlying issue is not just government interference, the Opposition itself is failing to present a united and effective front.
Despite initial efforts to strategise before the session, the opposition has faltered in executing its plan. This admission comes from within their ranks, as Goa Forward MLA Vijai Sardesai on Tuesday candidly stated that the Opposition lacked proper planning. His suggestion of forming a shadow cabinet to hold the government accountable is intriguing, yet his frustration was palpable when he remarked that people get the government they deserve. His words reflect the desperation of the Opposition, which now appears fractured, disoriented, and ineffective.
This raises serious concerns: Has the Opposition lost faith in itself? Are they incapable of uniting against the ruling party? Do they truly intend to challenge the government, or are internal rifts preventing them from doing so?
Recently, senior Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders have made visits to the state, issuing statements that starkly reveal their mutual distrust. Congress, through its Goa in-charge Anjali Nimbalkar, has twice declared its intent to contest elections independently, while AAP leaders have emphasised the necessity of an alliance for survival. This contradictory messaging confuses voters and benefits only the ruling party. The opposition, though aware of the dangers of disunity, seems unable or unwilling to bridge its divides.
Adding to the disarray, Congress itself is dealing with growing internal turmoil. Party workers have repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction with their leadership, and in an attempt to hold the party together, Congress is choosing to contest alone. This may be a tactical move to prevent defections, but the party’s senior leaders must recognise that denial of reality is not a strategy. Ignoring internal wounds will not heal them; it will only deepen the crisis.
Meanwhile, AAP’s local leaders have been equally vocal in their criticism of Congress, frequently referencing past betrayals by its leaders. Instead of working toward reconciliation, both parties are widening the rift, weakening their collective impact.
Outside the assembly, Opposition parties fail to organise effective, united protests on pressing issues. Rather than mobilising people as a single force against government mismanagement, they conduct isolated demonstrations with their respective party workers. The result? A fragmented and ineffective Opposition that lacks the power to truly challenge the government.
This lack of coordination is precisely why the ruling party remains unchallenged. With its overwhelming majority, the government faces little real opposition. To counter this dominance, Sardesai’s suggestion of a shadow cabinet deserves serious consideration. However, it is not merely a structural adjustment that is needed—what is required is a genuine shift in mindset among Opposition leaders. Collaboration cannot be built on suspicion; it demands trust, shared purpose, and a commitment to the people, not just party interests.
If the Opposition remains divided, if their infighting continues to overshadow governance issues, and if they fail to inspire confidence in voters, then the ruling party will continue to dominate unopposed. The voice of the opposition is, ultimately, the voice of the people. If they allow it to be drowned out by internal discord, they will have no one to blame but themselves.