PANJIM: Ending speculation over leadership change in Goa after BJP registered comfortable majority in the 2022 Legislative Assembly polls results of which were announced on March 10, ‘caretaker’ Chief Minister Dr PRamod Sawant will continue to head the State for the next five years.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi held in Delhi, Dr Sawant’s name was confirmed as Goa’s next CM. “PM was impressed by his work during his short stint as CM ad well as during the election campaign. His work profile and connect with the people, was applauded by all in the meeting. Hence, he will continue as CM,” sources told Herald.
His swearing in will be held on March 21 or March 22. The news, although yet to be officially announced by the party, has thus laid to rest rumours about Vishwajit Rane taking over the reins. Rane had been allegedly lobbying with the party high command to become Goa’s next CM while his MLA wife Deviya Rane had too indirectly extended her support for a leadership change.
In the meeting also attended by BJP national president J P Nadda, election incharge for Goa Devendra Fadnavis, Goa desk incharge C T Ravi, BJP State President Sadanand Shet and Organisational Secretary Satish Dhond, Goa’s new cabinet was also discussed.
Mauvin Godinho, Nilesh Rane, Vishwajit Rane and Govind Gaude, Ravi Naik, Chandrakant Shetye, Alexio Reginald Lourenco, Atanasio Monserrate and Sudin Dhavalikar’s names were proposed. With Dhavalilar’s entry in the to-be cabinet, BJP has confirmed accepting support from the MGP, whose letter of support has been vehemently opposed by various BJP mandals in Goa.
