Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has defended the ongoing electoral roll revision process in Goa, claiming that individuals holding Portuguese passports or nationality are not entitled to voting rights in India. Responding to allegations surrounding voter list discrepancies, Sawant said Booth Level Officers (BLOs) followed established procedures while verifying voters and issuing notices to individuals found to be non-residents.
He said some people identified during the verification held Portuguese nationality, while others were residing in Gulf countries without updating their residency details. Sawant maintained that eligible residents could apply for inclusion in the electoral roll through Form 6. He also claimed that political parties had designated Booth Level Agents to raise objections, but no formal grievances had been filed through the prescribed channel.
On political defections, the Chief Minister said the BJP did not need to bring leaders from other parties into its fold, claiming that those who joined did so willingly after witnessing the government’s development work, governance delivery and political stability. He expressed confidence that the BJP would secure a clear majority in the 2027 Assembly elections on its own merit.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, Sawant challenged its leaders to engage in a factual debate on governance and development, saying he was ready to debate anywhere, including Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.
The Chief Minister also defended the government’s development record, claiming Goa had achieved nearly 12% economic growth and improved its position from seventh to third in NITI Aayog’s sustainability index. He expressed confidence that the BJP would return to power in 2027, citing infrastructure expansion and welfare delivery.
