PANJIM: After the heat generated with the statements by Priol MLA Govind Gaude and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that BJP will contest all 40 constituencies including Priol, there was what they called as “courtesy call” between MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar and BJP State President Damu Naik. Deepak Dhavalikar described his visit to meet BJP State President Damu Naik as a courtesy call, since he had not met him after he was elected state president.
"We will stay united, all is well," Deepak exclaimed to waiting media persons below the BJP office building, on Thursday. When media grilled him about his statement that CM Pramod Sawant was misguided by someone, he said the news was created by the media. Deepak denied that he had said that. When asked about his New Delhi visit along with Sudin Dhavalikar, "The Centre has told us to work together," he disclosed.
When asked if he would contest the Priol seat. He said there are about 20 months for the Goa Assembly Elections, "Let's wait and see," he said. Deepak said they are fighting for the same vote bank and hence the Centre has told us to work together, Deepak told media.
BJP State President, Damu Naik also said they did not discuss anything political. When quizzed about his earlier statement, Naik said that BJP would work in all 40 constituencies. We want to make the party organisation strong in all constituencies, he admitted.
Damu said that we are in coalition with the MGP and Sudin Dhavalikar is a minister in the Cabinet.
When asked specifically about BJP contesting Priol, he said that BJP would strengthen its organisation, in that constituency. He also caution that action would be taken against anyone who crosses the party line.
When asked if the CM meeting with the Goa Governor had anything to do with Cabinet reshuffle, he said the CM had to meet the Governor for administrative issues.