Goa CM Pramod Sawant gets second term; sets 'self-reliance' goal
Caretaker Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will get a second term as he was elected the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) legislative party leader. The decision was made at a BJP legislature party meeting on Monday. In an interview, Sawant said that he is confident of making Goa "self-reliant," having converted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) vision into 'Swayampoorna Goa' (self-sufficient Goa).
Why does this story matter?
This marks the third time that the BJP will form a government in Goa. Sawant had taken over as CM in July 2019 after the demise of his predecessor, Manohar Parrikar. Initially, doubts were raised over Sawant's leadership. Even the exit polls had predicted a BJP-Congress hung assembly. Yet, the BJP won under the leadership of Sawant, who won from Sanquelim.
'Vishwajit Rane proposed Sawant's name'
"Vishwajit Rane proposed the name of Pramod Sawant as the Leader of the Legislative Party. Everyone unanimously Sawant elected him as the Leader," announced Narendra Singh Tomar, a union minister and the BJP's central observer for Goa. However, the BJP central leadership reportedly struggled to pick between Sawant and Valpoi MLA Vishwajit Rane, according to CNN-News18.
Sawant thanks Modi, Shah, voters
Sawant thanked Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the opportunity to serve as the Goa CM for the next five years. "I am glad that the people of Goa have accepted me. I'll do everything possible to work for the state's development," he said.
BJP's double-engine government helped Goa develop: Sawant
Sawant told CNN-News18 that Goa witnessed like never before with the "double-engine" BJP government in the state and at the Centre. On infrastructural development, he said, "We need to build modernized roads and complete projects that are pending." "We will open the Mopa International Airport on August 15," he said. He further said that his government is looking to resume mining activity.
More universities to be set up in Goa
On making Goa an IT hub, Sawant told CNN-News18 that his government has passed the Private Universities Bill. He said his government has given "three-four" offer letters each to private and national universities. Separately, he promised a "corruption-free government."
Earlier, Rane was rumored as potential CM candidate
Rane, Sawant, and Shah had held a meeting in Delhi on Saturday, setting off rumors about a leadership change. Asked if Rane would be made deputy CM, Sawant told CNN-News18 that the decision lies with the BJP central leadership. Asked why there was a delay in picking a CM, Sawant said, "This is a question you must ask our state and central party leaders.
BJP won 20 out of 40 seats
The BJP had won 20 assembly seats in the 40-member Goa Legislative Assembly. The party also has the support of two MLAs from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and three independents. The rival Congress party won just 11 seats. All 40 seats went to poll on February 14 this year and the Goa election results were announced on March 10.
