SANTOSH NAIK
PONDA: On the occasion of Gudi Padwa, considered an auspicious day for launching new ventures, political parties also made significant announcements, signalling the beginning of election debates. With the 2027 Assembly elections still a year-and-a half-away, discussions have already gained momentum in Ponda. However, it was Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s recent statement that caught political analysts off guard, adding further heat to the already intense summer. Addressing a BJP Karyakarta Melava in Priol on Sunday, Sawant, without directly naming MGP, issued a stern warning to the party. He stated that if the alliance partner did not agree to BJP’s terms for Priol, they should consider breaking away immediately.
“If alliance terms with the BJP for Priol is not agreed to, then today itself, they should break away. Priol will remain with BJP. No compromise of whatsoever nature for Priol. If anyone has issues then they should break away. I do not fear anyone. Our double-engine government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, supports Goa’s development and provides funds for various projects," Sawant declared.
Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude welcomed the Chief Minister’s statement, saying it gave him the strength of “ten elephants.”
Reacting to the remarks, MGP Supremo Sudin Dhavalikar said that the BJP-MGP alliance was a decision taken at the highest level by PM Narendra Modi’s inner circle.
"I have no idea what exactly has happened, but I will believe any change in alliance only if PM Modi, Amit Shah, or Fadnavis personally inform me of their decision. The Chief Minister may have made this statement just to motivate BJP workers," Dhavalikar said. MGP youth leader Dr. Ketan Bhatikar responded indifferently, stating that he was neither happy nor sad about the BJP’s stance.
He recalled that in 1999, BJP had broken its alliance with MGP, which ultimately helped Dhavalikar win. He hinted that similar political developments could unfold if the alliance falls apart. Interestingly, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had recently praised Dhavalikar during a health camp in Marcaim, referring to him as a long-time friend and an elder brother, while expressing confidence that the BJP-MGP alliance would remain intact.
Adding to the political intrigue, MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar had previously announced his intention to contest from Priol in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, in Ponda, political activity is also heating up, with leaders engaging in debates over key issues such as the ongoing water crisis. Many have started sponsoring sports tournaments and health camps, with an eye on the 2027 Assembly elections.