EVALUATING THE TMCFACTOR IN GOA Elvidio Miranda Many in Goa would consider the entry of Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Goan politics as a case of sheer political opportunism. However, the very fact that all parties including the major ones such as the BJP, Congress and a fast emerging AAP are seriously apprehensive about the electoral prospects of the TMC gives credence to the fact that the TMC is a very potent force to reckon with.People in Goa have to be aware that Mamata Banerjee is a serious contender to become the alternative candidate for the prime ministership of India. West Bengal have forty two Lok Sabha seats in all and if the TMC wins 38 of these, which is a distinct possibility considering its overwhelming performance in the Assembly elections recently and if the Congress fares worse than the TMC in India, Mamata Banerjee could emerge as a consensus candidate to nudge out Narendra Modi. This possibility would still be likelier if the Opposition unite pre-election time in 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Practically and prudently this could become a possibility. Goans should take this factor into consideration when voting as most in Goa will agree that having a PM in India with a TMC majority cabinet in Goa will make life better for Goans and a welcome change.
