PORVORIM
Claiming he was “impressed” with the performance of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, former Saligao MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar, who left the Goa Forward Party to join the BJP last week, said he would persuade aggrieved BJP leaders and workers from Saligao constituency to support him.
Speaking to the media, Salgaonkar said he was fully satisfied with his decision to join the BJP.
“In fact, my supporters were after me for a long time to join the BJP for the development of Saligao constituency. He was impressed with the performance of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and hence, decided to join the BJP,” said Salgaonkar.
“Even if the BJP does not give me the party ticket for the ensuing election, I will work for the party.”
Responding to a large gathering convened at Verem on Sunday by aggrieved BJP leaders and party workers under the banner ‘Together for Saligao’, Salgaonkar said he was not disturbed by the meeting.
“As per reports, some people had come from Porvorim and Aradi-Candolim to attend that meeting. No doubt, Kedar Naik, Rupesh Naik and Fondu Naik are good leaders and they have a good following, but senior BJP leaders will try and persuade them to support my candidature for the ensuing assembly election. On my part, I will also meet these BJP leaders from Saligao and impress upon them to support me,” said Salgaonkar.
Commenting on a video of him allegedly using offensive language against the BJP which has now gone viral, Salgaonkar clarified that he must have made statements during some frustrating moments.
“My opinion about the BJP has now changed. I had offer from the chief minister to join BJP long back, but he waited to complete my term as MLA of Goa Forward Party.”
Insisting that he has not ditched the Goa Forward Party, Salgaonkar said: I have spoken to GFP supremo Vijay Sardessai and explained to him on why I have joined BJP.”
