PANAJI
Ending speculation that he may make way for his son Yogiraj Kamat in the 2027 Assembly elections, senior BJP Minister and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat has made it clear that he will contest the upcoming polls from the constituency.
In an interview with Prudent Media, Kamat also ruled out any ambition to become Chief Minister again, saying he had already “lived that moment” and was now happy serving as a minister. “2027 election will be fought by Digambar Kamat,” he said, putting to rest speculation over his son’s possible electoral debut from Margao.
Kamat said he was not interested in central politics or returning to the Chief Minister’s post. “I am not fond of Delhi (central) politics. I am also not interested in becoming CM. I have already been CM under Congress and gave a stable government and gave my best. My ambition is fulfilled and hence now I don’t have that urge or ambition. I am happy with what I am today and want to fulfil my people’s wishes,” he said.
On his electoral prospects, Kamat said Margao voters had consistently backed him in Assembly elections despite the constituency not giving him a significant lead during Lok Sabha polls. “Lok Sabha, Margao has always given me less lead, but the case is different when it comes to Assembly polls. People have seen me working and my access to them. I am never under pressure when it comes to Margao,” he said.
Kamat said he did not believe in personalised politics and maintained that he had no personal enmity with Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai.
On BJP’s plans for Fatorda, Kamat said if the party decided to field State BJP president Damodar Naik, he would work for him. “There is no clarity whether Damu will contest or not. If the party decides he will contest, I will have no option but to work for Damu. Irrespective of whom party fields in Fatorda, I will work to ensure the party’s victory if given responsibility,” he said.
Explaining his decision to quit Congress, Kamat said elected representatives were expected to deliver for their constituents and that being in Opposition could restrict their ability to get work done.
He also said he had not received due recognition in Congress despite providing a stable five-year government, claiming he should have been made Leader of Opposition earlier.
Kamat declined to comment on the Congress’s current position, saying he had “no personal enmity” against any individual.
