Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, speaking in an interview with a local television channel, launched a broad defence of his government, brushing aside Opposition criticism and expressing confidence that the BJP will return to power in the 2027 Goa Assembly elections.
Reacting to criticism over the Ujjwala scheme, Sawant said he does not care about Opposition attacks and maintained that his focus remains on the welfare of Goans. He also announced that the remuneration under the Griha Aadhar and DSSY schemes will be increased, with details to be revealed soon.
On the electoral battle ahead, Sawant rejected the anti-incumbency narrative, saying Goa is witnessing “pro-incumbency” due to improved infrastructure and youth-oriented policies under the BJP-led double-engine government.
Describing the BJP government as a “fast train”, Sawant said there would be “no coming back once you sit” and expressed confidence that the party would win the 2027 elections.
On Opposition unity, Sawant said he had no time to focus on whether rival parties were united or divided. He said voters would judge the government on its five-year performance and compare it with previous governments before deciding whom to support.
“I don’t care whether they are united or divided,” Sawant said.
Sawant also said he maintains good personal relations with all MLAs, including those from the Opposition, as every legislator represents the people and their respective constituency.
On BJP ticket distribution, the Chief Minister clarified that he does not decide election tickets. He said the BJP follows a structured process through its organisation and election committee, with winnability remaining a key criterion.
“Every party changes candidates,” Sawant said, adding that 30–40 per cent of winners are new faces every time.
Defending the decision to establish the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Sawant said it is a firm policy decision and there is no question of reversing it. He said the system would ensure greater transparency in government recruitment.
On alliance partner MGP, Sawant said the party should stand with the BJP-led NDA alliance, pointing out that it has only two MLAs. He said MGP should not spend time conducting surveys in other constituencies and should understand its limitations.
On the demand for Marathi to be made a state language, Sawant said it would not be appropriate to alter Goa’s existing language provision. He said Konkani is Goa’s state language while Marathi is recognised as a co-language, as provided when Goa attained statehood.
“Goa was formed on the basis of language,” Sawant said, maintaining that changing the existing provision would not be appropriate.
On the contentious Section 39A, Sawant said his government is transparent and maintained that the facts concerning the provision should have been answered in the Assembly. He said he would take a decision in Goa’s interest and assured that “there will be a solution on 39A.”
