Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of eroding the strength of regional political parties across the country and suggested that the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) is experiencing a similar situation in Goa.
Speaking to reporters, Chodankar argued that several regional parties which entered into political arrangements with the BJP eventually lost their influence and electoral standing. He cited examples from different states, claiming that parties which once held significant political space were weakened after aligning with the BJP.
Turning his focus to Goa, Chodankar said the MGP, currently a partner in the BJP-led government, should evaluate its position within the alliance and decide how long it wishes to remain associated with it.
The Congress leader also referred to the recent debate surrounding the implementation of smart electricity meters in the state. He alleged that the criticism voiced by Minister Digambar Kamat against the project was not independent but part of a larger political strategy aimed at Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar.
According to Chodankar, such public disagreements between ministers could not occur without the knowledge or approval of the Chief Minister, and he described the episode as an embarrassment for Dhavalikar.
When asked whether the Congress would consider joining hands with the MGP ahead of the 2027 Goa Assembly elections, Chodankar said there was no scope for such discussions at present, as the regional party continues to remain with the BJP.
He further claimed that public sentiment is increasingly turning against the ruling government due to what he described as a series of controversies, alleged irregularities and decisions that have affected people over the years. Chodankar expressed confidence that the political landscape in Goa could witness significant changes in the run-up to the next Assembly polls.
Reiterating the Congress party’s existing alliance with the Goa Forward Party (GFP), he also stressed that voters have repeatedly shown disapproval of political defections. Referring to the 2022 Assembly elections, he noted that several leaders who switched parties were unsuccessful at the polls, which he said reflected the electorate’s stance on the issue.
Chodankar said the Congress would continue to strengthen its position on the ground while working with its allies to present an alternative to the BJP in the state.
