MAPUSA
Former minister and three-time BJP MLA Dayanand Mandrekar has confirmed that he will contest the 2027 Assembly elections from Siolim, but has left open the question of which party's ticket he will seek, adding a new dimension to the emerging political contest in the constituency.
Despite his recent resignation as chairman of the SC, OBC Finance and Development Corporation, Mandrekar maintained that he continues to be with the BJP and shares cordial relations with the party leadership, including State BJP president Damu Naik.
However, his decision to contest the next Assembly elections, irrespective of the political platform, suggests that Mandrekar is keeping his options open as political activity gathers momentum in Siolim ahead of the 2027 polls.
In an interaction with The Goan, Mandrekar confirmed that his resignation from the corporation was an indication of his intention to enter the electoral fray.
“Now or later, I will have to quit from the post if I want to contest,” Mandrekar said.
Asked whether he had decided which party's ticket he would contest on, Mandrekar said no decision had been taken and maintained that he was still with the BJP.
Dismissing suggestions that he had been side-lined by the party, the former minister said his resignation was linked to certain issues concerning the functioning of the corporation and not any breakdown in his relationship with the BJP leadership.
He further maintained that his relations with the BJP leadership were good, specifically expressing confidence in his ties with State party president Damu Naik.
Mandrekar, however, made it clear that his electoral decision would be taken in consultation with his supporters and party workers.
"I will contest. When the time comes, I will consult my cadre and go by their decision. Whether I contest on a particular party's ticket or as an Independent will be decided then," he said.
Interestingly, Mandrekar also acknowledged his cordial relations with Goa Forward Party president Vijay Sardesai and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, both of whom he has known through their earlier political association.
Mandrekar's political intentions assume significance against the backdrop of the BJP having Delilah Lobo, wife of Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, as its sitting MLA from Siolim.
His declaration that he will contest the next elections, while refusing to commit himself to the BJP, leaves open the possibility of a contest over the party's candidature in the constituency.
