Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Public Works Department Minister Digambar Kamat on Thursday said the Bharatiya Janata Party is fully geared up for the forthcoming Margao Municipal Council elections, with its organisational network and workers prepared across Goa.
Speaking to reporters, Kamat confirmed that the government’s move to increase the strength of the Margao Municipal Council from 25 to 27 wards will stand. He maintained that the addition of two wards would not have any significant effect on the conduct of the elections.
Reacting to queries on the party’s readiness, Kamat said he has no reservations about facing elections at any point. He asserted that both he personally and the BJP as a whole are prepared to go to the polls whenever they are scheduled.
On the issue of finalising candidates, the minister clarified that the process would commence only after the State Election Commission (SEC) completes the reservation of seats. He said candidate selection depends entirely on clarity regarding which wards are reserved and under which categories. Once that exercise is concluded, the party will move forward with shortlisting nominees.
Kamat emphasised that the reservation process falls exclusively under the jurisdiction of the SEC, adding that the government does not interfere in it. Referring to earlier disputes over reservations that had escalated to the Supreme Court, he said the intention now is to prevent any such legal complications by allowing the SEC to function independently.
Reiterating the established position on local body elections, Kamat said municipal and panchayat polls are not meant to be contested on party symbols, as has already been decided.
Expressing confidence in the BJP’s prospects, he pointed to ongoing development works in Margao and said the party’s organisational machinery is fully active not only in the city but across the State.
He also stressed that candidate selection would be based on merit rather than family background. According to Kamat, parameters such as public service, social involvement, and acceptance among local residents will be taken into account, and surveys may be conducted if required to identify the most suitable candidates.
