Panaji: Ending months of speculation, Revolutionary Goans Party (RG) on Sunday appointed Shavina Naik Shirodkar as its state president, filling the post vacated by party founder Manoj Parab and signalling a renewed focus on women and Gen Z voters ahead of the assembly elections.The 26-year old has a BA in journalism, but while she has worked in the media and socio-political sectors across different states, she is a novice within RG and did not hold any office or post prior to her elevation to the head of the party. Shirodkar is only the second person to head the party in the state. With the elections just six months away, she faces the challenge of filling Parab’s shoes and revitalising a demoralised cadre.The party appointed Vipin Naik as vice-president, Melvin Da’Silva as general secretary and Premanand Gaude as general secretary for organisational matters. Jayandrath Padolkar has been appointed secretary and Candido Correa treasurer.“The past is the past and RGP is not an individualistic party. Many people said that RGP’s future is over. Goa requires a young party like RG and many people want another political option,” Shirodkar said.RG national president and St Andre MLA Borkar said the party had strengthened its organisation with a focus on empowering women and attracting younger voters.“Revolutionary Goans is a young party. When the talk is around 33% reservation for women, as a regional party, we are the first party to appoint a woman to this post. Goa has a population of around 5 lakh youth and women account for 52% of the voters,” Borkar said.The party will now focus on reconstituting its district and block committees and other organisational wings before Ganesh Chaturthi. A membership drive will begin after the festival.RG has also constituted a committee to hold alliance talks with other opposition parties ahead of the elections.
