CM Pramod Sawant rallies support in Pernem ahead of crucial four-seat zilla panchayat battle

Mapusa: With political stakes at an all-time high in Pernem taluka, which has four seats, chief minister Pramod Sawant, along with BJP president Damu Naik, conducted a high-decibel campaign on Wednesday.

In the 2020 polls, the BJP won Arambol and Torxem, while independents were elected from Morjim and Dhargalim. This time, however, the BJP has allied with the MGP, leading to a multi-cornered contest in almost all four constituencies.

At a rally in Korgao, Sawant projected the BJP–MGP alliance as the only vehicle for a “Swayampurna Goa”, appealing to voters to elect their candidates. “This election is vital for our development trajectory. A victory here will pave the way for the election of a BJP-led govt in 2027,” Sawant said.

BJP has ceded the Morjim seat to MGP, which has fielded Tara Hadfadkar. The alliance, however, faces an uphill task, even as the leadership remains confident of a clean sweep. An observer said ground realities indicate a tough fight in all four constituencies. “Internal friction and open rebellion in Torxem and Dhargalim have threatened to fracture the party’s traditional base,” the source said.

Addressing the issue, Sawant said, “The party president has the authority to act against those who indulge in anti-party activities.”

Accompanied by MLAs Praveen Arlekar and Jeet Arolkar, Sawant urged voters to prioritise stability and rural empowerment.