PERNEM
Pernem taluka is abuzz with speculation that Mandrem’s MGP MLA Jit Arolkar is likely to join the BJP.
Discussions regarding his potential entry into the BJP began after Arolkar welcomed Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Manohar International Airport in Mopa. When contacted, Arolkar indicated that no political significance should be read into meeting the Maharashtra CM.
“Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed me that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was arriving at Mopa Airport and asked me to be present to welcome him. Accordingly, I went to the airport and welcomed him.”
When asked if he would join the BJP, he did not confirm or deny the possibility.
“I am currently with the MGP. The right decision will be taken at the right time and after taking everyone into confidence,” said Arolkar.
Asked if he would join the BJP if the Mandrem seat was allocated to the BJP as part of the MGP-BJP alliance, Arolkar replied, “The leadership of MGP and BJP will hold joint discussions. The presidents and senior leaders of both parties will sit together to decide on seat-sharing and candidacies. The picture will become clear after that. There is no need to state definitively right now which party I will contest the election from.”
“In politics, the blessings of the people and the support of the voters are paramount. If the people of the constituency stand firmly behind a candidate, that candidate has no reason to worry. Voters, party workers, and supporters of Mandrem will be taken into confidence before any future political decision is made. To date, I have never claimed that I would secure a ticket from any specific party,” he clarified.
When asked about the position of former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar and former MLA Dayanand Sopte regarding Mandrem constituency, Arolkar referred to both as senior political leaders.
“Parsekar and Sopte are experienced, senior politicians. If an MGP-BJP alliance is formed for the upcoming election and I am selected as the alliance's candidate, they will uphold the alliance's principles and work towards my victory,” Arolkar expressed confidently.
Arolkar took a dig at various leaders staking claims to candidacy for the Mandrem constituency.
“Those who lack confidence in their own electability are the ones who approach the party for a ticket and claim that they will get the nomination. Ultimately, it is not a single leader or party that decides who becomes the MLA; the people of Mandrem decide that.”
Asserting that numerous development works and projects were implemented in the constituency during his tenure, Arolkar stated that he enjoys the support of the local people and that public opinion will carry the most weight in upcoming decisions.
The political atmosphere in Mandrem constituency is already heating up due to three key issues: the MGP-BJP alliance, the future of the Mandrem seat, and Jit Arolkar’s next political move.
