PANAJI
Newly sworn-in Minister Sudin Dhavalikar and the MGP appear to be invaluable to the BJP’s political plans in the coming future, according to BJP state president Sadanand Shet Tanavade, who on Saturday said that the decision to induct the former deputy Chief Minister into the cabinet was taken despite anger against him in the party cadre.
Both Tanavade and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant have said that portfolios would be allotted to the new ministers in a few days.
“The MGP had made severe allegations during the campaign. As a result there is a bit of anger among party workers, but we tried to explain to them (workers) that we are a national party and we rule the country. If someone makes allegations, we should consider it purely as an election related thing and one should forget about it,” Tanavade told reporters, while explaining the party’s delayed decision to induct Dhavalikar’s into the cabinet. Dhavalikar’s MGP was in alliance with the Trinamool Congress in the run-up to the recent polls, but soon after results were declared in March, the regional party extended unconditional support to the BJP-led government.
Tanavade said that Dhavalikar too had used “strong words” which had led to bitterness, adding that the past was the past and that things would run smoothly now, adding that the BJP would be able to calm down its cadre.
“BJP workers feel hurt because they believe that there should have been an alliance (with the MGP) ,but they chose not to. But after the results, they offered us support. As a big party we have to accept that and forget the past. While we did not say much, they (MGP) used very aggressive words,” Tanavade said.
“There was bad blood. This should end. They spoke a lot. Even as opposition you should not speak much, but they did. This is my frank opinion. We will cool them (cadre) down and we will work together,” the state BJP president said.
Tanavade said that the MGP would not be a “problem” this time round, because the BJP also enjoys the support of independent MLAs, which would help keep the government afloat.
“He (Dhavalikar) should complete (his term) this time. Everyone should come together and forge ahead. This time we have 20 (MLAs). I do not think there will be a problem. Some independent MLAs are also supporting us,” Tanavade said, when asked if the MGP would complete its full term in power along with the BJP.
When asked if the MGP leader was inducted in the cabinet in order to help the BJP win the South Goa Lok Sabha seat in 2024, Tanavade said: “You need support from everyone during an election”.
Both Tanavade as well as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also said that portfolios would be allotted to the new ministers within a few days.
“Portfolio allocation may take two days or even eight days,” Tanavade said.
When Sawant was asked when the portfolio allocation would be made, the Chief Minister said: “The cabinet is now complete. They have been sworn-in just now. It might take some time to allocate portfolios,” the Chief Minister told reporters soon after the swearing-in ceremony”.
