PANAJI
Even as the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) has shortlisted a total seven names for the post of the next State party chief, there is growing demand within the saffron cadre to retain the incumbent president Sadanand Shet Tanavade.
Some Ministers, MLAs and party workers are of the clear view that if BJP has to win 2027 polls, then Tanavade should continue in the chair.
BJP National General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Arun Singh on Monday chaired the party's core committee meeting in the run-up to the appointment of the party’s new State president and District Mandal chiefs. During the meeting, the party zeroed on seven names for the President post while three each for North and South Goa district mandal.
Speaking to media persons post meeting, Tanavade said that total seven names are shortlisted and the same will be sent to the Party high command. The names include that of Narendra Sawaikar, Damodar Naik, Chandrakant Kavlekar, Dayanand Sopte, Dayanand Mandrekar, Dilip Parulekar and Govind Parvatkar.
“Once the District Mandal President elections are held on January 11, the party high command will announce the date to elect the State president,” he said.
Meanwhile, sources informed that during the meeting, there was growing demand that Tanavade should continue as party president and that under only his leadership, the party can win 2027 polls with complete majority.
Post meeting, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane admitted that Tanavade has done a very good job and it was only because of him that the party won 2022 polls and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. “I have already told the party that Tanavade has done exceptionally good work in the last five years…he has guided as well…and work taking everyone together…” he said.
“But finally, whatever party decides will be accepted,” Rane added.
Earlier, Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate too praised Tanavade’s work and said that the party should give him further opportunity to continue.
On Sunday, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho had said that the party currently does not see any suitable person for the post of State President and therefore the current President should continue. “Tanavade is working, taking everyone together. He should remain the pivot of this post, otherwise the party may face trouble in the 2027 elections,” Godinho said.
Responding to the demand from party leaders, Tanavade said whatever work he has done for the party is with the support of each and every one. “Even when I am not the President I will continue to work for the party,” he said.
