BJP reviews ministers’ performance ahead of polls

PANAJI
In the run-up to the 2027 Assembly elections, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday reviewed the performance of BJP ministers and their departments, taking stock of achievements, future plans and pending projects. He also set a three-to-four-month window to fast-track government schemes and pending works.
Speaking to the media after the party's core committee meeting, Sawant said the review focused on fast-tracking pending projects and schemes, including those of the central government.
“We held a review meeting with all the ministers to discuss their departments’ achievements, future plans, pending projects and schemes. Fast-tracking of projects and schemes was also discussed, with the aim of streamlining them over the next three to four months,” he said.
The marathon meeting, held at a starred hotel in Panaji and attended by BJP ministers and senior State BJP leaders, also reviewed the government’s overall performance and development work over the past four-and-a-half years.
“In less than six months we are heading for elections, so taking a review was of utmost importance,” the CM said.
The discussions were held minister-wise and department-wise, with each minister presenting the work completed by his department, along with future plans.
“Each one of them gave their performance and what their future plans would be for the development of Goa and the welfare of the people. I am confident that we will be able to fulfil all the promises we have made,” he added.
The CM, however, declined to comment on any alleged underperformance or issues raised by some party leaders in the past, including concerns surrounding the Staff Selection Commission.
MoS and MP Shripad Naik said the meeting reviewed the performance of ministers and departments, adding that the ministers spoke about difficulties they faced and ways of resolving them.
Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade said the achievements of individual departments were presented during the meeting. "The ministers presented their departments’ achievements. The Union ministers’ upcoming visit to Goa was also discussed,” Tanavade said. 
Minister Vishwajit Rane described the meeting as an internal party exercise ahead of the elections. “It was an internal party meeting. Elections are coming,” he said, refusing to divulge further details. 
Minister Atanasio Monserrate said the meeting was primarily about assessing the work carried out by the BJP government during its current term. “The meeting was about taking stock of the works BJP has done during four and a half years. No strategy for the upcoming polls was decided,” he said.
Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, when asked about the Staff Selection Commission, responded, “Do you feel the Staff Selection Commission is a poison?”
The review followed a lunch hosted by Sawant earlier in the day for the party leaders. While Sawant initially played down the significance of the gathering by describing it as a lunch meeting, State BJP president Damu Naik said the discussions were focused on taking stock of development works undertaken by the BJP-led government and reviewing their progress.
The meeting also assumed added significance following former minister Jayesh Salgaonkar’s announcement about exiting the BJP. Asked about Salgaonkar’s resignation, the party President said he had no information about it.