Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa BJP president Damodar ‘Damu’ Naik has warned Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar and former MLA Manohar ‘Babu’ Azgaonkar that their public exchange of accusations about alleged drug trade links risks damaging the party’s image and could hurt its chances in the 2027 Assembly elections.
Naik criticised the two leaders for engaging in public mudslinging that he said reflects poorly on the party. He urged both to show restraint and follow proper channels to address any genuine concerns. “If either of them has credible information, they should go to the police and also discuss it within the party platform with the Chief Minister,” he said.
The dispute began after Azgaonkar alleged that Arlekar was connected to the drug trade. In retaliation, Arlekar accused Azgaonkar’s son of involvement in narcotics sales. The controversy has sparked criticism both within the BJP and from opposition parties, with calls for party leadership to step in to prevent further damage to its reputation.
Amid criticism over law and order following a recent acid attack incident, Azgaonkar accused Arlekar of neglecting the constituency and weakening policing. “Law and order is totally collapsed in Pernem. The MLA’s focus is not in the constituency. There is no fear of police in the public. All this is brought in by the current MLA. CM Sawant should personally look into this,” Azgaonkar said.
In a sharp counterattack, MLA Pravin Arlekar defended the police action in the acid attack case, saying the accused was arrested within 24 hours, and hit back with drug-related allegations. “As for Babu Azgaonkar’s claim that I’m involved in ganja selling—he should first explain how his own son is selling ganja in discos. Let him also show how many ganja-related cases are actually registered against me,” Arlekar said.
The bitter exchange has turned the spotlight on the issue of drugs in the coastal belt, with both sides using allegations of narcotics trade as political weapons. While police have not confirmed any such cases against either leader or their families, the accusations have intensified the political tension in Pernem, already under scrutiny for crime and safety issues.
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