PANAJI
Internal discussions within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Goa over the role and future representation of Christian leaders have triggered fresh political speculation ahead of the upcoming assembly polls, with indications that some could face a fresh evaluation during the party’s ticket distribution process.
Sources familiar with developments in the party told The Goan that discussions have resurfaced around what is informally referred to as the “Christian card”, amid growing debate within sections of the BJP-RSS ecosystem.
Sources revealed that some RSS-linked functionaries conveyed concerns that the growing prominence of Christian MLAs could alter the party’s long-term political balance in the State. “While such views do not constitute formal directives, they are understood to have been communicated during periodic coordination and feedback mechanisms between the BJP and the RSS,” the source said.
The discussions come at a time when BJP has already begun the process to undertake constituency-wise assessment of sitting legislators ahead of candidate selection.
Sources further stated that the party leadership may place greater emphasis on winnability and organisational performance while deciding candidates, potentially affecting some incumbent Christian legislators whose electoral prospects are perceived to be uncertain.
“BJP’s strategy towards Christian representation has evolved significantly over the past decade. In the run-up to the 2012 Assembly elections and in subsequent years, expanding its support base among Christian voters was seen as a political necessity. However, BJP now believes it enjoys a broader electoral footprint, reducing its dependence on that approach,” the source added.
At present, the BJP has nine Christian MLAs in the 40-member Assembly. They include ministers Mauvin Godinho and Babush Monserrate, along with Nilesh Cabral, Joshua D’Souza, Michael Lobo, Delilah Lobo, Jennifer Monserrate, Rudolf Fernandes and Aleixo Sequeira.
Among the constituencies attracting attention is Siolim, where there is internal discussion about the possibility of fielding a Bhandari candidate instead of sitting MLA Delilah Lobo. The development has renewed focus on the political influence of the Lobo family that commands considerable clout in both Siolim and Calangute (represented by Michael Lobo).
In Curchorem, MLA Nilesh Cabral is also facing a period of political uncertainty. Cabral lost his ministerial berth earlier in the government’s tenure and was widely expected to be considered for induction after the vacancy created by the death of minister Ravi Naik. That appointment did not materialise, prompting questions within political circles about his standing in the party.
Nuvem MLA Aleixo Sequeira is also being discussed within political circles. Sequeira had earlier relinquished his ministerial position due to health reasons, and party insiders say assessments of the BJP’s performance in Nuvem have not been encouraging. Some analysts believe this could diminish his prospects of securing another ticket.
When contacted about reports that the BJP could deny tickets to underperforming Christian legislators, BJP Goa president Damu Naik declined to comment.
