Will do course correction, even reshuffle if needed: Goa CM Pramod Sawant

Panaji: Since the ZP election started two decades ago, BJP has won the polls for the third consecutive term. Last time, chief minister Pramod Sawant who had just taken over reins of the state ensured a sweep for the party, this time he has won in spite of anti-incumbency, a weak local leadership and a resurgent opposition. A course correction will be done and if needed, even a cabinet reshuffle will take place, Sawant tells TOI.

l Looking at the ZP elections’ outcome, there seems to be certain amount of resentment against BJP in rural Goa. How do you read the results?

BJP won both the ZP bodies. It is a victory for BJP and NDA. Losing a few seats by a small margin cannot be considered a defeat in the election. Sometimes local candidates outperform, while local MLAs fall short. Winning the ZP election for the third consecutive term despite anti-incumbency is a victory for BJP and NDA.
l Congress, which was restricted to three seats in the last ZP polls, has performed much better. Is it a worry for BJP for the assembly election in 2027?


An alliance with the GFP and anti-incumbency as a factor in this election helped Congress increase its seat tally. They also benefited because voters went against our local leadership.

l Do you think there is a serious need to take corrective measures ahead of the assembly election?

Of course. The party will take serious note of the election results. We may even consider a cabinet reshuffle if it is required to win the next assembly election. I am not saying it will be done right now, but after consulting with national leadership, all decisions will be taken to ensure we win the 2027 elections. Central leadership will take corrective measures.

l You have now won the ZP polls for three consecutive terms. What are the factors that went in favour of BJP, and what are the factors that went against the party?

Majhe Ghar and central and state schemes helped us win the election when anti-incumbency was a major factor, as we were winning the third term. The decision to put up new faces also helped the party. When it comes to negative factors, local leadership fell short of giving a good performance.

l Will the party groom new faces elected in the ZP election, so that they can be considered for party tickets for the assembly election?
Keeping in mind the next 25 years, the party always grooms its cadre. This is the right time to groom the cadre considering 33% women reservation for the assembly election.

l This election, independent candidates created more trouble for BJP candidates. How do you view this?

Sometimes, voters do not prefer Congress and they support independent candidates. Based on the issues raised by the independents and considering their work, the electorate decides to stand with them.

l Do you think that the BJP-MGP alliance helped BJP secure victory, and if there was no alliance, would it have had an impact?

I don’t think so. Last time, we won both the ZP bodies without MGP. They have limited presence, and as they are NDA partners, we have an alliance with them.


Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here