BJP State President Damodar (Damu) Naik rubbished talk of a rift with alliance partner MGP, as he also insisted that BJP functions through tight coordination between its state unit and central leadership, with all decisions taken in consultation. In a conversation with VIBHA VERMA, Naik revealed that the Delhi high command had informed him of MGP’s meeting even before the Dhavalikar brothers left for the national capital ” a sign, he said, of trust and communication within the BJP.
The Goan: Is there discontent between the BJP and MGP?
Damu Naik: There is no discontent. MGP is currently our alliance partner and will remain with us. We, in the BJP, are holding melavas in all 40 constituencies to strengthen the party. Our focus is to build strength across all constituencies with a target of winning 27 seats in the 2027 Assembly elections for a clear majority.
TG: Will the BJP contest all 40 seats? Is the party going solo for the 2027 polls?
DN: These are questions that will be relevant closer to the elections. This is not the time for speculation. We still have two years, and during this period, my responsibility as BJP State President is to engage with party karyakartas across all constituencies, strengthen the booth-level structure, and energise the committees. I am personally meeting each worker, and not just communicating through messages or WhatsApp. We are also reconnecting with our old workers, some of whom may have become inactive for various reasons. They have always supported the BJP and even voted for the party, but we want them back with the same previous energy. This will possibly give us an edge of 10-20 extra seats from each. That is my focus right now.
TG: MGP claims that major decisions are made in Delhi. Does this mean the State BJP has no authority?
DN: BJP works in coordination. Whatever decisions are made by our high command in Delhi or Goa, both sides are informed and updated. There is clear communication between the state and central leadership. For instance, MGP had sought an appointment in Delhi, and I was informed about it even before MGP leaders (Dhavalikar brothers) travelled. I had a telephonic conversation with the Delhi leadership. We, the BJP leaders, are fortunate that our party believes in consultation and coordination at every level. Programs and meetings of the central leadership are always known to us, and similarly, updates from Goa are shared with them.
TG: MGP claims that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is being misled by certain elements.
DN: Our CM is prudent and capable. He knows how to handle situations and no one can mislead him. There are party protocols, and he respects them. Nothing happens without the party’s involvement, and the CM does not bypass the system.
TG: Are there any attempts within or outside the party to sabotage the alliance?
DN: No one is going to roll out a red carpet in politics. That’s part of the game. Sustainability depends on performance and willingness to accept suggestions for improvement. Currently, there is no real opposition. Some individuals are simply creating fake narratives for attention. Even those in the opposition secretly admire the CM’s work. He is delivering development across all constituencies, irrespective of which party holds them, be it BJP, Congress, MGP, GFP, AAP, or Independents. Everyone is being treated fairly.
TG: With MGP President Pandurang ‘Deepak’ Dhavlikar expressing interest in working in Priol, is there parallel groundwork being laid?
DN: I haven’t heard anything directly from MGP about this. I met Deepak several times, but we never discussed any specific constituency. MGP may be focusing on one or two areas as part of their routine political work. As for the BJP, we are a national party working for the betterment of all of Goa. My focus is on all 40 constituencies. That is our tagline ” 40/40. We are aiming for a clear majority with at least 27 seats and need strong candidates to achieve this.
TG: So finally, is the BJP-MGP alliance stable?
DN: Absolutely. We will conduct internal surveys ahead of the polls, and the party, along with the high command, will make appropriate decisions based on that. Even within the BJP, ticket distribution decisions are based on performance, feedback, and internal assessments. Whether a candidate is suitable or not will be evaluated through surveys, meetings, and feedback from mandals and workers and everybody. All inputs will be compiled and reviewed by the Parliamentary Committee, which will then decide on ticket distribution. At this stage, our main aim is to consolidate the party and bring everyone under one umbrella.
