In a high-decibel campaign push, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, accompanied by state BJP president Damu Naik, canvassed for votes in the politically crucial Pernem taluka on Wednesday. The taluka, with its four assembly seats, has become a key battleground with stakes at an all-time high for the ruling party.
A Strategic Alliance and a Daunting Challenge
The political landscape in Pernem has shifted significantly since the 2020 polls. Back then, the BJP secured victories in Arambol and Torxem, while independent candidates won from Morjim and Dhargalim. This time, the BJP has entered into an alliance with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), altering the dynamics.
This partnership has led to a multi-cornered contest in almost all four constituencies. As part of the seat-sharing agreement, the BJP has ceded the Morjim seat to its ally, which has fielded candidate Tara Hadfadkar. Despite the leadership's confidence in a clean sweep, ground observers indicate a tough fight ahead in every segment.
Sawant's Pitch for Development and Stability
Addressing a rally in Korgao, Chief Minister Sawant positioned the BJP–MGP alliance as the sole vehicle for achieving a 'Swayampurna Goa' (self-reliant Goa). He appealed directly to voters, framing the election as critical for the region's development trajectory.
"This election is vital for our development trajectory. A victory here will pave the way for the election of a BJP-led government in 2027," asserted Sawant. He was joined by MLAs Praveen Arlekar and Jeet Arolkar during the campaign, where the trio urged the electorate to prioritize political stability and rural empowerment.
Internal Friction and Rebel Threats
Beneath the surface of the alliance's public confidence, internal challenges threaten to fracture the party's traditional voter base. A political observer pointed to significant ground realities complicating the BJP's efforts.
Internal friction and open rebellion in constituencies like Torxem and Dhargalim have emerged as major concerns for the party apparatus. When confronted with these issues of anti-party activities, CM Sawant issued a stern reminder, stating, "The party president has the authority to act against those who indulge in anti-party activities."
The outcome in Pernem's four seats—Arambol, Torxem, Morjim, and Dhargalim—is now viewed as a key indicator of the alliance's strength and a bellwether for the state's political future leading up to the 2027 assembly elections.
