Special Correspondent
Panaji
State president of the Bharatiya Janata Party Damodar ‘Damu’ Naik on Monday pulled up Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho for allegedly asking Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party MLA Jit Arolkar to join the BJP.
Speaking during the BJP Foundation Day celebrations in the city, Naik termed the related statement by Godinho as “irresponsible” and against party discipline as the MGP is the alliance partner of the BJP in the state government.
He also stressed on the importance of maintaining discipline and following established party protocols.
The state BJP chief also warned party MLAs against making such remarks, especially before the media.
“Such statements should not be made publicly, especially when it concerns inviting leaders from other parties,” he noted, adding that any decisions regarding party expansion or induction of leaders must follow due process and be communicated through official channels, rather than through individual remarks.
The remark by Godinho had also drawn objections from MGP leaders, including party president Pandurang ‘Deepak’ Dhavalikar, who had reckoned that the minister’s statement was inappropriate given the alliance.
“I met Jit a few days back, and he will contest the 2027 Assembly elections on MGP ticket,” he clarified, adding, “No one can break MGP and those who tried to do it are finished.”
At a felicitation programme organised by a local temple committee in Mandrem, Godinho had invited Arolkar to join BJP and contest the next Assembly elections on party ticket.
He had said that Arolkar would “certainly win” if he joined the BJP and contested from Mandrem on its ticket.
Responding cautiously, the Mandrem MLA had said his immediate priority is to continue working for the people of his constituency.
“Right now, I want to continue working for the people of my constituency, and the decision on the ticket can happen at the right time,” he had added.
