NERVOUS TALKS…
“We were promised during our induction that we would get the party ticket. Of course, a few do not want to contest on BJP ticket, and that is a different issue altogether.”
St Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes.
“Those who do not work will not get a ticket. We are always with people. So we do need to fear anyone,” he said.
St. Andre MLA Francis Silveira
“I have not yet claimed for a ticket. Let the party check my performance. I have done overall development and I have full confidence in my report card. I will only contest elections if BJP gives me ticket”.
Cuncolim MLA Clafasio Dias
Goemakrponn desk
PANAJI: The Chief Minister’s statement that not all sitting BJP MLAs may get a ticket to contest the Legislative Assembly elections next year has created a flutter in the BJP camp.
The announcement has ruffled teh feather of BJP MLAs, especially those who migrated from the Congress.
The CM said, “I cannot say that everyone will get a ticket to the contest. That is not possible at all. This is something everybody knows. It has been the practice in all states, and it will be the same in Goa,” Sawant said.
He said the party will review each MLA’s performance and connection with people and then decide. He added that the BJP parliamentary board will ultimately decide on candidates, and the state leadership will make recommendations.
Speaking to Goemkarponn, a few MLAs who migrated to BJP said they were promised a ticket irrespective of anything.
“We were promised during our induction that we would get the party ticket. Of course, a few do not want to contest on BJP ticket, and that is a different issue altogether,” said St Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes.
However, the MLA continued, it’s too early to talk about anything unless something is black and white.
“The CM’s announcement is for those who do not work. I am confident of getting the ticket and winning it too,” he said.
Another MLA said that if the party goes back on its promise, it would be a betrayal of our group.
St. Andre MLA Francis Silveira stated that the CM was right in what he said.
“Those who do not work will not get a ticket. We are always with people. So we do need to fear anyone,” he said.
Cuncolim MLA Clafasio Dias said that he is confident of getting the ticket.
“I have not yet claimed for a ticket. Let the party check my performance. I have done overall development and I have full confidence in my report card. I will only contest elections if BJP gives me ticket,” he says.
Sources in BJP have informed that many MLAs, including Dy CM Babu Azgaonkar, WRD Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues, PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar, Cuncolim MLA Clafasio Dias, Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes, Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’Sa, Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza and Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar are on the target list and may not get the party ticket.
“What the chief minister said was not just the work but also the winnability factor and acceptability from the people will also play a significant role in ticket distribution,” said a source in BJP.
He said the BJP has learnt the lessons from 2017 and is weighing the pros and cons.
“The BJP has conducted two surveys so far and found that many sitting MLAs have failed to meet the expectations of the people,” sources said.