PANAJI
BJP Goa President Damu Naik has dismissed speculation of a rift within the ruling coalition, insisting that the party and its allies remain united.
“All is well. Everyone should meet our national leaders,” he said as MGP leaders Sudin Dhavalikar and Deepak Dhavalikar met BJP’s top brass including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National General Secretary B L Santosh in Delhi on Tuesday morning. Sudin currently holds cabinet status in the Pramod Sawant-led cabinet.
Responding to media queries after the party’s core committee meeting at BJP headquarters, Naik said the Dhavalikar brothers had informed him before their meeting.
“We meet regularly to discuss party decisions, so no one should speculate,” he said. “There is no communication gap and no differences. We are all working together.”
On the frequent visits of BJP central leaders including B L Santosh to Goa, Naik said it should be taken optimistically. “It’s a good thing they are visiting. I am getting good guidance from seniors too.” Asked about the possibility of a BJP-MGP split, he said, “We are together as of now.”
The development comes at a time when Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that the BJP would contest the Mandrem and Priol Assembly constituencies. He also categorically stated that those wanting to break away were free to do so, but there would be no compromise on the two seats. Sawant later clarified that he was not against the alliance with the MGP and that the decision rested with BJP leaders in Delhi.
In a recent media interaction, Minister Govind Gaude had taken a pot-shot at the Dhavalikar brothers stating they always backstab.
