PANAJI
BJP President Sadanand Shet Tanavade on Tuesday attributed the party’s defeat in South Goa to the influence of religious leaders.
Conceding defeat, despite initial demands from party cadres for a vote recount, Tanavade said, "election outcome was swayed by a religion-based campaign... certain religious leaders played a significant role in diverting votes from BJP to other party," he alleged without identifying the religion.
He stated that while the party did not speak about it in the past, "it is a fact that religious leaders played a role in swinging the vote towards a particular party in South Goa."
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant admitted to a shortfall in constituencies while assuring to examine where improvements could be made.
However, he steered clear of addressing allegations of anti-party activities within the BJP ranks or identifying specific constituencies with unexpected outcomes.
“We fell short by a few votes in South Goa. Nevertheless, our work across the entire State has been recognized, and we remain committed to serving the people of Goa. Our core group and leaders will examine the defeat and rectify wherever needed,” he said as he addressed the media along with BJP’s top leaders including Minister Vishwajit Rane.
Sawant further stated that BJP’s impressive performance in North Goa, where they secured 56 percent of the vote, indicated their independent standing without relying on external factors. However, the party faced challenges in several South Goa constituencies, failing to secure the expected lead.
Responding to criticism about failing to win the South despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in South Goa, CM Sawant – without naming the star campaigner - stated it was unrealistic to expect “all votes” when a leader campaigns. “We expected a 3,000 to 4,000 vote margin in certain constituencies, which unfortunately did not materialize,” he explained.
Regarding Goa Forward Party (GFP) President Vijai Sardesai’s prediction of government collapse following the setback at the Centre, Sawant dismissed such notions. “Let me clarify, we have a strong majority of 295-plus seats at the Centre, and the NDA remains intact,” he asserted.
BJP State President Sadanand Shet Tanavade also admitted that the voting pattern didn’t happen as expected in South Goa.
