— Fatorda Will Return to BJP, Asserts Naik
In his first detailed interview after being appointed BJP’s Goa State President, Damu Naik speaks to Suraj Nandrerkar, Editor of Goemkarponn, about party discipline, the return of former leaders, outreach to minorities, and BJP’s target of crossing 50 percent vote share in Goa. He also addresses criticism from within and reflects on his own political journey.
Excepts
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Goemkarponn: How do you see your new role as state BJP president?
Damu Naik: It is a big responsibility. Expectations are high both within the party and from the people. My focus is on strengthening the organization, preparing for the Zilla Parishad elections, and then the Assembly polls. We must remain aligned with our goals and deliver results.
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Goemkarponn: Your journey began in 1999. You faced defeats in Fatorda but stayed loyal. Did you always believe you would lead the party?
Damu Naik: I never chased posts. In 2004, when I was Yuva Morcha president, Manohar Parrikar told me I could take on bigger roles in the future. I kept working consistently. The party recognized my loyalty and has now given me this responsibility.
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Goemkarponn: There is talk that many who left BJP may return. Do you welcome them?
Damu Naik: Yes. Some left due to anger or feeling sidelined. BJP is like a family. If they want to work again for the party’s interest, our doors are open. Our cadre is our strength. They want recognition and pride in working under the BJP banner.
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Goemkarponn: Leaders like Parsekar, Utpal Parrikar, Dilip Parulekar, and Dayanand Mandrekar — will you reach out to them?
Damu Naik: Everyone who has served is valuable. Some could not take responsibilities at certain times, but they are not enemies. If they accept the party’s discipline and direction, there is always space for them.
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Goemkarponn: Discipline has become an issue lately. Minister Govind Gaude even criticized the party president. How will you deal with such cases?
Damu Naik: In BJP, discipline is non-negotiable. Some newcomers do not fully understand our culture. We explain and counsel them first, but if indiscipline continues, consequences follow. The party is above any individual.
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Goemkarponn: After the cabinet reshuffle, an old Parrikar video criticizing Digambar Kamat resurfaced. Today he is a BJP minister. Isn’t that hypocrisy?
Damu Naik: Politics changes with time and circumstances. We cannot remain stuck in old quarrels. The party moves forward collectively. Our focus is on strengthening BJP and governance, not on reliving the past.
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Goemkarponn: Is engineering defections for stability morally right?
Damu Naik: Our government is stable. Numbers vary slightly with allies and supporters, but we are not forcing anyone. If someone wants to join BJP, our doors are open. Stability is not in doubt.
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Goemkarponn: Some MLAs felt ignored in the reshuffle. You hinted at opportunities in January or March. Were you referring to Michael Lobo, Nilesh Cabral, Sankalp Amonkar, Delilah Lobo, and others?
Damu Naik: Opportunities come based on performance, public connect, and governance needs. BJP does not give positions just to satisfy individuals. Some may be disappointed now, but reshuffles can happen again. The leadership will decide after evaluating MLAs.
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Goemkarponn: Social media often criticizes the BJP government. Your take?
Damu Naik: Digital platforms reach lakhs instantly. Many fake profiles and coordinated “toolkits” spread negativity. Our IT teams monitor them. About five percent of criticism is valid and we accept it. The rest is noise.
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Goemkarponn: BJP gets about 33 percent vote share in Assembly polls but still forms governments. Critics call it a minority mandate.
Damu Naik: In multi-party contests, governments are about seats, not just vote share. With 33 percent we formed a stable government. In Lok Sabha, we crossed 51 percent in Goa. Our state target is to push beyond 50 percent with better candidates and booth work.
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Goemkarponn: Opponents say BJP has failed to connect with minorities, especially Catholics and Muslims.
Damu Naik: That is not true. In 2012, minorities supported us strongly. Even today, we have minority MLAs and ministers. Personally, in Salcete I have always received minority votes. People visit my home, and we work together. The claim that minorities will never support BJP is wrong. Development and trust matter more.
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Goemkarponn: Let’s talk about Fatorda, your old constituency. You won earlier but lost after delimitation. What changed?
Damu Naik: Before delimitation, Fatorda had Hindu belts like the Housing Board and areas near Maruti temple. Those were moved out, and new areas with a different demographic came in. My minority support stayed, but the arithmetic shifted toward Congress. That is how delimitation changed the seat.
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Goemkarponn: Will you contest from Fatorda again?
Damu Naik: As state president, I must look after all 40 constituencies. Candidate selection will be based on loyalty, winnability, and connect with people. I am confident BJP will win Fatorda again, but the party will decide the candidate.
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Goemkarponn: You have used the slogan “27 in 2027.” Is that your Assembly target?
Damu Naik: Yes, we are aiming high. In Assembly elections our vote share has stayed around 32 to 34 percent, but in the Lok Sabha we crossed 51 percent. We want to replicate that in the Assembly by strengthening the organization and picking the right candidates.
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Goemkarponn: Many voters say they now vote in state elections also keeping Modi in mind. Why do you argue state governments matter for national reforms?
Damu Naik: Many reforms need state assemblies’ support. For example, constitutional amendments for reservations required ratification by states. A double-engine government helps deliver national policies faster. That is why state elections are important.
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Goemkarponn: The opposition still raises doubts about EVMs. Your response?
Damu Naik: When they win, EVMs are fine. When they lose, they blame EVMs. Courts have dismissed these doubts. The real issue is voter lists. Duplicate entries exist, and parties must help clean rolls. We must also ensure our own names are correct.
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Goemkarponn: You often say there is a global attempt to defame BJP. Do you still believe that?
Damu Naik: Yes. Narratives are seeded across platforms in a coordinated way, often with outside funding. But people are smarter now and can see through it. We accept valid criticism, but systematic defamation is also a reality.
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Goemkarponn: Finally, what is your vision for BJP Goa under your leadership?
Damu Naik: Discipline will be enforced strictly. Cadres will remain the backbone. We will reach out to all sections including minorities, focus on development, and aim to cross 50 percent vote share. Above all, the party will stand united and strong.
