Political Overview

Though India gained independence on the 15th August, 1947, Goa was still under Portuguese rule. It was only on December 19th, 1961, that Goa was finally liberated. The other Portuguese territories of Daman and Diu were also taken over at around the same time and thus was formed the "Union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu". From that day December 19th is celebrated as Goa Liberation Day.

For more than 25 years, “Goa, Daman and Diu” was a Union Territory but it became the 25th state of the Indian Union only from May 30, 1987. Goa comprises of two districts – North Goa and South Goa. The districts of Daman and Diu were also separated from Goa and are now a Union territory. Goa has been under political instability for the last 15 years. The state has seen 14 governments from 1990 to 2005.

The Congress party and the BJP are the two largest parties in the state. Other parties include the United Goans Democratic Party, the Nationalist Congress Party and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party which is the oldest in the state, though in recent times it has lost out much of its traditional electorate. The present government is led by the Congress Party headed by Chief Minister Shri Pratapsingh Raoji Rane.