PANAJI
A week after BJP Minister Mauvin Godinho stirred a political row by offering party entry to alliance MLA Jit Arolkar -- drawing sharp objections from MGP leaders -- the issue has escalated within the BJP, with party president Damodar Naik publicly rebuking Godinho for his “irresponsible” remark and cautioning party leaders to exercise restraint and discipline in public statements.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Naik said that only those unaware of the party’s discipline and organisational functioning would make such “irresponsible” and “baseless” statements.
“When you are in the BJP, one needs to understand that the party has its own ideology, organisational setup and discipline. As a senior leader, one is expected to make responsible statements. Only a person who has not understood the party’s functioning, or is not a cadre, will make such irresponsible remarks,” Naik said.
Terming the statement as “completely irresponsible,” Naik, however, refrained from disclosing any specific action against Godinho, while indicating that the matter would not be taken lightly.
He further underlined that all MLAs and party workers are bound by party discipline. “We have not given freedom to any MLA or party worker to make baseless statements in the media. All MLAs should take note of this, as such conduct will not be acceptable,” he said.
Naik added that the BJP functions on discipline and collective responsibility, and leaders must act in a manner that strengthens unity within the party and its alliances.
Godinho’s remarks had earlier drawn a strong response from MGP president Deepak Dhavalikar, who termed the offer inappropriate in the context of the alliance. “Mauvin is a senior BJP leader, but I met Jit a few days ago, and he will contest the upcoming Assembly elections on an MGP ticket,” Dhavalikar had said, adding that the party had taken up the issue with the BJP leadership.
He further asserted, “No one can break the MGP. Those who tried are finished. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Maharashtra Chief Minister have assured us that the alliance will be respected and no attempt will be made to lure any MLA.”
The BJP and MGP are allies in the Pramod Sawant-led government in Goa, with the MGP’s two MLAs extending support to the ruling party.
