Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: BJP Goa President Sadanand Tanavade today said that he would oppose the induction of 8 Congress MLAs into BJP if he had received the proposal at the local level.
“These 8 MLAs met the BJP Central Leadership in New Delhi, and then we received the order to induct them into the party; if I had received the proposal at the local level, I would have opposed it,” said Tanavade.
He further informed that no decision had been taken regarding swearing-in and cabinet expansion.
“We held the core committee meeting to discuss programs pertaining to PM Modi’s birthday celebration and to inform the committee about yesterday’s political developments,” he said.
BJP held its core committee meeting on Thursday where the MLAs were updated about political developments.
“Will hold meetings across constituencies with the former & newly joined BJP MLAs,” Tanavade said.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that for the time being, there would be no cabinet reshuffle.
“However, the eight newly joined MLAs will go to New Delhi to meet the PMO & BJP National President J.P. Nadda,” he added.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said that it was long-expected and not a surprise at all.
“Opposition was feeling the heat when no development happening in their constituencies, so they joined the party for development,” Mauvin said.
Yesterday, eight Congress MLAs, including former CM Digambar Kamat and opposition leader Michael Lobo, joined the BJP.
The MLAs who joined the saffron party include Digambar Kamat, Michael Lobo, Delilah Lobo, Rajesh Phaldesai, Kedar Naik, Sankalp Amonkar, Aleixo Sequeira and Rudolf Fernandes.