MARGAO: Mobilisation efforts are gaining momentum among various Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities in Goa, as they express their strong discontent with the Central government’s stance on the reservation of seats for ST groups in the upcoming 2027 Goa Assembly elections. With frustration growing over the recent decision to rule out delimitation of constituencies before the polls, these communities are gearing up for an intensified agitation.
Under the banner ‘Mission Political Reservation for ST’, ST leaders are preparing for a meeting this Saturday to chart out the future course of action.
Adv John Fernandes, a prominent ST leader, indicated that the upcoming meeting would determine the community’s response, but one thing was clear – they would focus on mobilising ST communities at the village level. He stated that the ST community was determined to persist until their demands were met and that the people’s voice would play a pivotal role.
Ravindra Velip, another influential ST leader, revealed that a more aggressive approach was on the horizon. He asserted that relying solely on resolutions in the Goa Legislative Assembly would not suffice. “The State government should have already taken an all-party delegation to Delhi to persuade central leaders, including the Prime Minister, on the issue,” he said.
Joyce Dias, a representative from Sao Jose de Areal, expressed her anticipation for a response from the central government regarding the all-party delegation. Nevertheless, she highlighted their next goal: mobilising ST communities at the grassroots level to ensure they are well-informed and vociferous about the situation.
