MAPUSA
With the 2027 Assembly elections still months away, the political temperature in Mapusa is already beginning to rise, with prospective candidates quietly testing their support on the ground and discussions over the BJP ticket gaining momentum.
The latest name to enter the conversation is that of social worker and long-time BJP worker Guruprasad Pawaskar, whose candidature is being discussed in sections of Mapusa.
Citizen meeting
A meeting of prominent citizens of the town early this week, attended by professionals and members of the social and cultural circles, has added to speculation that sections of the constituency are looking for an alternative to the established political order.
The development is significant because Mapusa has remained closely associated with the Francis D’Souza-Joshua D’Souza political legacy for nearly 25 years.
Late Francis D’Souza, a former deputy chief minister, represented the constituency for several terms before his son Joshua D’Souza took over the political mantle. Joshua is currently the Deputy Speaker.
Ticket battle
The emerging activity suggests that the next contest for the party ticket could be more closely watched than in previous elections. There is also talk within political circles of possible discontent if Joshua D’Souza is given the ticket for another term, although the extent of any such opposition remains unclear at this stage.
The meeting reportedly brought together doctors, lawyers, businessmen, literary personalities and even some RSS workers. Discussions centred on the political situation in Mapusa and the forthcoming elections.
Pawaskar’s claim
Pawaskar is not an unknown personality within the BJP. He had contested the 2017 Assembly election from Porvorim on a BJP ticket, but lost to independent candidate Rohan Khaunte, who is now a minister in the State government. Whether his name can now translate into a serious claim for Mapusa will depend largely on the support he is able to build within the local organisation and among voters.
The Pawaskar discussions, however, come against a broader backdrop of new faces beginning to establish themselves in Mapusa well ahead of the election.
New aspirants
Former customs officer Mayur Sawkar has already made his intention to contest from Mapusa clear and has begun an active ground campaign.
Interestingly, he has also been claiming the BJP ticket from Mapusa.
This makes the emerging political picture more interesting for the BJP. It is no longer simply a question of whether the party will retain Joshua D’Souza as its candidate; the constituency is beginning to see multiple aspirants creating their own political space.
Fresh push
Pawaskar’s supporters are now expected to approach senior BJP leaders and press for a fresh face in Mapusa. Further meetings are also being discussed.
Mapusa’s BJP contest could increasingly become a test not only of electoral strength, but also of who can build the strongest claim within the party before the ticket is decided.
