Manoj Parab is young, and therefore his dynamism and intensity are natural. However, if that energy is shaped with maturity, Goa could definitely gain a capable and promising leader.

The Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP), which has emerged on Goa’s political landscape in recent years and created a distinct impact in a short span of time, has unsettled almost every political party in the state. With a majority of young workers and a strong base among the Bahujan community, the party has compelled both the ruling party and the opposition to strategize on how to contain its rise.

In its very first electoral battle in 2022, RGP established itself as the largest regional party in terms of vote share. In the minority-dominated constituency of St. Andre, Viresh Borkar won by a narrow margin, becoming the party’s lone MLA. However, the total votes secured by RGP across the state surprised even political analysts. A significant shift of Congress voters towards RGP dealt a major blow to the Congress, with as many as 11 candidates reportedly losing due to vote splits. The Congress, which long believed minorities to be its traditional vote bank, was forced to rethink its strategy. Political opponents are now attempting to curb RGP’s growth by creating divisions within its youthful leadership.

As the face of RGP, Manoj Parab emerged as a prominent leader. He contested the Assembly elections from Valpoi and Thivim but was defeated. While electoral defeat may reduce a leader’s stature, Viresh Borkar’s victory kept the party relevant in the Assembly. Parab remained the party president, while Borkar became its legislative representative. Parab’s aggressive and outspoken style initially worked in the party’s favor, helping RGP take an assertive political stand. However, that very aggressiveness is now being used as a pretext to target both RGP and Parab personally.

Opponents have begun contrasting Viresh Borkar’s calm demeanour with Parab’s fiery temperament in an attempt to corner him. There are indications that this narrative is having some effect. Following defeats in the Lok Sabha and Zilla Panchayat elections after the Assembly polls, efforts to weaken Parab have intensified. Whisper campaigns suggest that Parab functions in an authoritarian manner, does not take others into confidence, and disrespects colleagues. Parab is aware of these developments, and how he navigates this political “chakravyuh” with intelligence, tact, and skill will be the true test of his leadership.

A similar strategy was once adopted against Manohar Parrikar and Shripad Naik during the early years of the BJP in Goa. Parrikar, however, countered such tactics with sharp political acumen. Today, attempts are being made to link Parab with Satish Dhond, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and Vishwajit Rane. Allegations of financial mismanagement have also surfaced, reportedly amplified with support from overseas RGP sympathizers. Yet, despite these criticisms, Parab has managed to stand firm.

Parrikar often had to go to great lengths to ensure Shripad Naik’s electoral success, knowing that Naik’s defeat would be blamed on him. Manoj Parab must exercise similar caution regarding Viresh Borkar. Any decision concerning Borkar’s political future will require a careful and possibly conciliatory approach. At the same time, Parab must safeguard his own political trajectory; otherwise, he risks facing a situation similar to that of Congress leader Girish Chodankar.

Until a leader wins an election, full legitimacy of leadership remains elusive. Parab seems to have unknowingly entered this complex political maze. His challenge now is to emerge from it safely and successfully. His aggression, patience, and composure will all be tested.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant continues to face criticism from multiple quarters across the state, yet his composure remains unshaken. It is often said that a successful leader keeps ice on his head and sugar on his tongue. Manoj Parab’s youthful energy is natural, but if he tempers it with maturity, Goa may well witness the rise of a strong and capable leader.