Team Herald
PANJIM: Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude on Friday said that he will contest the next Assembly elections as an independent candidate from Priol constituency if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forges pre-poll alliance with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP).
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a function at Patto-Panjim, Gaude said, “I have proved my capabilities when there was pre-poll alliance between the BJP and MGP. Today people have seen my work as a Minister. If the alliance between these two parties takes place then I will contest as an independent candidate because people are with me. I have reached this position on merit and I will not bow my head for party ticket.”
Gaude admitted that due to BJP support in election and his subsequent induction in the BJP-led government, he could undertake various developmental works in his constituency.
“Our support may continue and it is for the BJP to decide. When they give an offer to me I will consult my workers and take a decision,” Gaude said.
After the BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh and Goa in-charge C T Ravi, Gaude had stated that if given an offer by the BJP, he would contest the ensuing elections on its party symbol.
Gaude had won the 2017 Assembly election as an independent candidate with BJP support.
Earlier, the Minister inaugurated `Kala Dalan,’ a gallery of Goa freedom fighters and liberation struggle at the Central Library, Patto-Panjim, on the occasion of Goa Revolution Day. It will be open for public till December this year.
