Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: The South Goa BJP district president has questioned Prakash Velip’s commitment to the party, alleging he never supported BJP candidates and even campaigned against South Goa Zilla Panchayat (ZP) Chairperson Sanjana Velip during local elections.
Asked about possible disciplinary action over Prakash Velip’s recent remarks critical of the government, district president Gaonkar dismissed the idea, noting that Velip himself had publicly acknowledged he is not a BJP member.
“He admitted in a press conference that he is not with the party, so there’s no question of taking action,” Gaonkar said.
Gaonkar further clarified that there is no record of Velip renewing his BJP membership during the last enrolment drive, either offline or online.
Another BJP leader from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) community claimed the party had evidence showing Prakash Velip did not vote for the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, accusing him of engaging in anti-party activities.
Meanwhile, South Goa Zilla Panchayat chief Sanjana Velip strongly criticised Prakash Velip for allegedly sabotaging her campaign during the ZP polls.
“He talks about fighting for ST rights, but he worked against me in the election. Back then, he forgot we belong to the same community,” Sanjana Velip remarked.
She also defended the BJP’s record on tribal issues, insisting the party had consistently worked to safeguard the constitutional rights of Scheduled Tribes.
“If any party has given the ST community proper recognition and protected our rights, it is the BJP,” she added.
