MARGAO
Senior BJP leaders, including Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, BJP State President Damu Naik, Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar and alliance partner Reginaldo Lourenco, expressed satisfaction over the enthusiastic turnout at the Margao Carnival float parade on Sunday.
However, the strongest political message of the day came from BJP State president Damu Naik, who exuded confidence about the party’s prospects in the 2027 Assembly elections. Speaking to the media while leaving the venue, Naik asserted that the BJP alone would form the next government, winning as many as 30 seats.
Reacting to Congress President Amit Patkar’s statement at the Fatorda Carnival that the Congress and Goa Forward Party would form the government in 2027, Naik responded sarcastically: “Anyone is free to dream. Nobody can stop anyone from dreaming.”
He reiterated the BJP’s previously articulated target of 27 seats, but went a step further by claiming the party could cross that mark. “The Opposition may say anything, but the people of Goa will rally behind the BJP in 2027. The work done by the government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s achievements, and the schemes meant for the common man will keep the party in good stead,” Naik said.
Earlier, the Margao float parade was flagged off by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat and BJP State President Damu Naik in the presence of Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar, Margao Municipal Chairperson Damu Shirodkar and councillors.
In his brief address, Digambar Kamat described the Margao float parade as the best in Salcete. “I can see enthusiastic crowds everywhere. The entire route is packed. I am happy that people have come out in large numbers to support and participate in the event,” he said.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the government remains committed to promoting tourism and Carnival celebrations to attract both domestic and international visitors. “We have seen thousands of people coming to watch the Carnival parades in Panaji and Margao,” he added.
As political sparring intensified alongside the festivities, the Carnival once again served as a platform not just for celebration, but also for setting the tone ahead of the 2027 electoral contest.
