Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The alliance between the BJP and MGP seems to be on the verge of breaking apart, as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant openly reiterated his party’s assertion over the Priol constituency, indicating a possible division in anticipation of the 2027 assembly elections.
Although the elections are still over a year away, the Chief Minister’s remarks have notably heightened political tensions in Ponda.
While not directly naming its ally, Sawant indicated that Priol would stay aligned with the BJP, referring to it as a “white line on a black stone,” and dismissed any possibility of compromise on the issue.
With this, MGP Leader Sudin Dhavalikar along with MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar are currently in New Delhi where they met BJP National General Secretary (Org) B.L. Santosh. The details of the meeting are awaited.
This meeting takes place amidst MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar’s recent announcement of his intention to run for the Priol seat as an independent candidate.
This has also sparked conjecture about changing political landscapes in the area. In response to inquiries regarding Sawant’s statements, MGP leader and Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar minimized the remarks, indicating they were meant to placate BJP supporters.
“The Chief Minister probably issued this statement to placate BJP supporters. Nevertheless, the decisions about the alliance and candidate choices for Priol will be made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. I have complete confidence in their judgment,” said Dhavalikar
Goa’s Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant recently stated that the BJP plans to contest the Mandrem and Priol Assembly seats. His remark, “If someone wishes to leave, they are free to do so,” seems to clearly indicate to the MGP that it will not play a decisive role in shaping the 2027 alliance.
Mandrem is presently occupied by MGP MLA Jit Arolkar. If the BJP decides to put forth a candidate in this area, Arolkar will have to either join the BJP or run as an independent candidate.
Likewise, the comments about Priol suggest a potential setback for MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar, who has been looking at this constituency to rejuvenate his political aspirations. The BJP’s position serves as a significant boost for the current MLA and Art & Culture Minister Govind Gaude.
