Arlekar rules out return to State politics; party holds meet ahead of organisational polls
PANAJI
On the very first day of the New Year, the State remained abuzz over possible reshuffle in the Pramod Sawant-led cabinet in 2025 after BJP State President Sadanand Shet Tanavade hinted at the likely development. The news had remained speculative throughout 2024-with BJP ditching out several deadlines.
Also, all the rumours or speculations with regard to change in State leadership was also put to rest by Kerala-Governor designate Rajendra Arlekar – who was expected to be back in the State politics.
Ahead of BJP organisational elections, due early this month, the Chief Minister Sawant held a meeting with Tanavade and other party senior leaders.
Speaking to media persons post meeting, Tanavade said that the meeting was with regards to upcoming elections and to strengthen the party in 2025 to ensure BJP’s victory in 2027 elections.
He said that BJP State unit is likely to complete the mandal and district president elections by January 10 and thereafter a new BJP State president will be elected.
Responding to a question on whether cabinet reshuffle is on the cards this year, Tanavade responded positively stating “you may expect cabinet reshuffle this year”.
Speculations were rife about cabinet reshuffle to accommodate Congress turncoats, along with Goa Legislative Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar for quite some time or rather since the time Lok Sabha polls were held.
There were talks that the changes – to induct two MLAs replacing two existing Ministers – will take place after Narendra Modi takes oath as Prime Minister for the third time. The dateline was later shifted to post Ganesh Festival and later after Diwali.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Wednesday met Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai at Raj Bhavan. The visit was ahead of his swearing in on January 2.
Responding to media persons, Arlekar ruled out his return to State politics and said that he is not in the race for any State political role in Goa and that all the news about him taking over the Chief Ministerial post were “baseless rumours”.
“My responsibilities at present are towards the State of Kerala. Before going to Kerala, I wanted to learn more about that State so decided to meet Goa Governor, who is from Kerala,” he said.
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