PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, while informally speaking in Panaji to editors, ruled out any special focus on the electoral heartland of South Goa ” Salcete but said that the BJP will be devoting equal attention across the district in a strategic move to better the vote share.
“Exclusive focus on Salcete on the lines of “Mission Salcete” that was tried in the past will be counter productive at this stage. A better voting percentage in the taluka will not help the BJP, but on the contrary, add to the Opposition tally,” he said.
Sawant exuded confidence that the BJP representatives in major pockets of South Goa will help in enhancing the percentage of votes. The BJP will get a far better percentage in the hinterland areas while there would be around three constituencies where the party will be in a neck and neck race with the Opposition, he said. The party is looking at the law of percentages and the BJP is expected to win by over sixty thousand votes this time, he said.
The chief minister also disclosed that he will be laying more emphasis on South Goa with a series of campaign programmes being lined up.
On a question on the party’s sudden decision to scout for a lady candidate, Sawant said, “it is a welcome thought because the party is looking forward in that direction. Even if it does not materialise this time, it is a positive step towards women empowerment looking into the future.”
On another question whether the party is open for support from non-BJP leaders, Sawant said support from any quarters is welcome. “Election is a time when parties can’t ignore support,” he said.
To another question if the delay in announcing candidate is related to the Congress being non-committal over its nominee, the CM said that the Congress choice would not be a concern for the party. “Right now, the Opposition seems to be completely divided, and it is for them to decide who their candidate would be”, he said.
While the South candidate is yet to be announced, indications were rife that former MP Narendra Sawaikar is emerging the front-runner ahead of former Quepem MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar.
