Begins action against mandal leaders over ZP poll ‘indiscipline’
MAPUSA
Four months after the Zilla Panchayat elections in Goa, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has started taking action against party office bearers accused of working against official candidates during the polls, signalling a stricter approach to internal discipline ahead of the Assembly elections.
Action in Bastora
The first major action has come in Bastora, where the BJP leadership removed Bastora mandal president Ranjit Usgaonkar and general secretary Manisha Naik from their posts following the party’s poor performance in the ZP constituency.
Senior BJP karyakarta Savio Martins was also removed from the mandal committee as part of the disciplinary action taken by the party leadership. The action followed a detailed report submitted by BJP in-charge for the Bastora ZP seat, Sulakshana Sawant, outlining the reasons for the party’s defeat in the constituency.
The BJP’s official candidate, former sarpanch and sitting panch Subhash Morajkar, lost the December 2025 ZP election to the Congress candidate despite the party’s strong organisation in the area.
Allegations of Sabotage
Party sources claimed that some local leaders either remained inactive or allegedly worked against the official candidate, leading to the disciplinary action. Usgaonkar and Martins are seen as grassroots leaders with considerable influence in Bastora. Both former sarpanchs were reportedly strong contenders for the BJP ticket and have support among local party workers.
Their removal has sparked discussions in political circles about possible dissatisfaction among sections of party workers.
Senior BJP leaders, however, defended the move, saying party discipline remains essential.
“A political organisation can function effectively only when every karyakarta respects collective decisions. Once the party selects a candidate, every office bearer is expected to work fully for the official nominee,” a senior BJP functionary said.
Another senior leader said the action should not be seen as targeting individuals but as a message to the organisation.
“The BJP has always worked on discipline and commitment to party ideology. The leadership will not tolerate indiscipline or parallel political activity during elections,” the leader said.
Push for Party Discipline
Sources within the BJP said similar action may soon be taken in Tivim, Curtorim and some other constituencies where reports of internal sabotage and lack of cooperation surfaced during the ZP elections.
Party insiders admitted that removing senior local leaders could temporarily create unease among some workers. However, the BJP leadership believes the long-term political message is more important as the party prepares for the Assembly elections. “The organisation is bigger than individuals. The BJP has a strong cadre base and capable workers who can take up organisational responsibilities. The leadership has carefully considered the political impact before taking these steps,” a senior BJP office bearer said.
Political observers believe the action reflects BJP’s effort to strengthen organisational control and prevent factionalism ahead of Assembly elections. While the move may strengthen discipline within the party, it could also risk alienating influential grassroots leaders whose support may be important during election campaigns.
