Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A political row has erupted within the BJP after Minister Mauvin Godinho publicly invited Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar to join the party and contest the next Assembly election on a BJP ticket.
Addressing the media, Godinho said that Arolkar would “certainly win” if he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and contested from Mandrem on its ticket. “We want you to be in our party, and if you contest on our party ticket, then you will certainly win the election in Mandrem,” Godinho stated, extending an open offer to the MGP legislator.
Responding cautiously, Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar said his immediate priority is to continue working for the people of his constituency. He added that any decision regarding contesting elections or party affiliation would be taken at the appropriate time. “Right now, I want to continue working for the people of my constituency. The decision on the ticket can happen at the right time,” Arolkar said.
However, BJP Goa President Damu Naik strongly criticized Godinho’s remarks, calling them “irresponsible” and against party discipline. Naik said such statements should not be made publicly, especially when it concerns inviting leaders from other parties.
He further cautioned party MLAs against making baseless remarks before the media, stressing the importance of maintaining discipline and following established party protocols.
