When in Goa I hardly heard anyone speak of Goa Suraj party. Talking to some journalists, they said that this party only exists on the internet. I have read letters to the editor from Floriano Lobo and some others connected to this party and news item about some rallies and talks which the party has either held alone or with coordinating with other like-minded groups. I had the chance to talk to some bigwigs of some other parties actively involved in Goan politics. The Goa suraj party seems more like an NGO that a political party. In the Goan political sphere, it is a small voice. Not sure if this small voice is a significant voice as it often brings pertinent social, cultural and political issues to the forefront. Like the Goa Foundation or other NGOs, the Goa suraj party needs to exist to fill the space for meaningful and creative dialogue in a democratic setup. However, for the party to be a political force, the people behind it must do more than what they are currently doing. The party doesn't even hold the "bargaining power" seen in the wheeling-dealing that went on prior to the selection of candidates for the two parliamentary seats. Maybe, it's the role the party doesn't want to play. But to be invited to the bargaining table, the party must hold key political cards.
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