Abstract:
The past two assembly terms in Goa were dominated by defections when MLAs left one party and joined another without facing the electorate again. This politics of pragmatism makes party ideology almost irrelevant. But voters do support parties on the basis of their policies. The MGP has not been able to translate its 'bahujan' ideology into votes and seats. The BJP has offered a softer version of hindutva than elsewhere in the country, but has not found many takers. The Congress is in a relatively strong position, but voters are unhappy with its unashamed practice of 'pragmatic' politics.
