‘Double-engine sarkar’ delivered: CM

PANAJI
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday thanked the people of rural Goa for reposing faith in the party following party’s clear victory in the Zilla Panchayat (ZP) elections, asserting that the results reflect a clear endorsement of the BJP-led NDA government and its policies.
However, taking serious note of the party's failure to retain seats as well as gain seats in constituencies with sitting MLAs, it has decided to undertake a thorough post-poll review to address shortcomings and further strengthen its organisational base ahead of 2027 elections.
Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the NDA has secured control of both North and South Goa Zilla Panchayats with a clear majority, attributing the victory to public confidence in the “double-engine Sarkar” and the tireless efforts of party workers.
“Both Zilla Panchayats now belong to the NDA. I sincerely thank the people of rural Goa for having faith and trust in the BJP and the NDA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Sawant said. He also thanked BJP MLAs, ministers and party workers for their grassroots efforts during the campaign.
Sawant said the ZP verdict reflects acceptance of the government’s development agenda, including its long-term vision of Vikasit Goa 2037. “This victory belongs to the double-engine Sarkar. People have accepted our policies and governance,” he added.
Acknowledging that the party lost a few seats despite having sitting MLAs and also failed to retain some, the Chief Minister said a detailed post-poll assessment would be undertaken. “Some seats were lost by very small margins. We will closely analyse such seats, especially where we had sitting MLAs, and take corrective steps so that we emerge stronger in the 2027 Assembly elections,” he said.
Pointing to the party’s performance, Sawant said the BJP recorded nearly an 80 per cent strike rate in the ZP polls. “We contested only 43 seats and have won 28 so far. This itself speaks of the people’s trust in the BJP,” he said.
Referring to opposition allegations, Sawant said the Congress habitually blames Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) whenever the BJP wins elections. “This time the polls were held through ballot papers, and despite that, we have won. This exposes the excuses made by the Congress,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister said the government’s focus would now shift towards women empowerment in rural areas, strengthening grassroots governance and ensuring effective delivery of welfare schemes.
Meanwhile, BJP state president Damodar Naik described the ZP election results as proof that there is no alternative to the BJP in Goa. “The results clearly show that people had made up their minds and voted decisively for the BJP. Congress had challenged us to conduct elections through ballot papers, and even then we have emerged victorious,” Naik said.
Naik alleged that attempts were made during the campaign to misguide voters but said the people rejected such narratives. “The mandate shows that people have accepted the BJP’s leadership and policies,” he added.