MARGAO
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant appeared confident personified earlier when he stated that the BJP will not only regain South Goa, but the party would get the backing of minority Salcete in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Opposition MLAs, Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai and Congress senior MLA Digambar Kamat, however, sounded caution, with a message not to take South Goa voters for granted.
When the media sought reactions of both Sardesai and Kamat on the CM’s statement on winning the South Goa seat on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Chaturthi Bazar at the KTC bus stand, Margao on Saturday, the Goa Forward chief sought to know whether the Chief Minister is throwing his hat in the ring for the South Goa seat, even saying the BJP may win the seat if the Chief Minister is in the fray.
“Is the Chief Minister planning to contest from South Goa,” Sardesai sought to know from the scribes. And, he then sarcastically replied saying the BJP may win the seat if the CM contests, adding ‘otherwise, the BJP may find it difficult to win South Goa if the Chief Minister is not in the fray’.
Sardesai further demanded to know why the Chief Minister is so confident of winning the South Goa seat when he has not won comfortably in his own constituency in the 2022 Assembly polls. “I think it is farfetched to come and say that the CM will win in Salcete. It appears to be an attempt to inspire and keep the Congress MLAs on the radar of defections, in good humour. Saxttikars are not people who can be easily swayed,” he said. Sardesai, however, hastened to add that the BJP may have a chance if the Chief Minister is in the fray for the South Goa seat.
When the scribes reminded that the CM is confident of winning the South Goa seat, Sardesai shot back, “The CM is expected to put up a brave face and say the party will win the seat. Otherwise, he may be replaced. The second person is just waiting to take over the CM’s post.”
On the other hand, the reaction of Margao MLA Digambar Kamat appeared diplomatic, neither disputing the Chief Minister’s statement nor giving the BJP a thumbs up.
In his characteristic style, Kamat reacted saying people of South Goa will vote as per their conscience. “This we have seen in the past. Ultimately, the people will decide. People vote silently and as per their conscience.”
