Homecoming for a Stalwart: Laxmikant Parsekar Returns to BJP Fold
Panaji: In a significant political development for Goa, former Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar officially returned to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday. The move marks a formal reconciliation between the veteran leader and the saffron party after a four-year separation that began ahead of the 2022 assembly elections.
Parsekar, a seasoned politician with over three decades of involvement in the state’s political landscape, was welcomed back into the party at a ceremony attended by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, and BJP state president Damodar Naik.
A Return to Strengthen the Party
Addressing the gathering, the former CM underscored that he had not aligned himself with any other political organization since his departure from the BJP in 2022. “We have joined the party to work, and the party will give us responsibilities as per our capacity. We have to protect the interest of the party,” Parsekar stated, signaling a commitment to consolidate the party’s position in the state.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant echoed these sentiments, expressing satisfaction at the return of a long-time associate. He noted that despite the distance in recent years, Parsekar’s spirit remained aligned with the party’s ethos. During the event, the Chief Minister rallied the cadre, urging them to channel their collective efforts toward the ambitious goal of securing 30 seats in the upcoming 2027 assembly elections.
The Journey of a Veteran
Parsekar’s history with the BJP dates back to 1988, marking the start of a deep-rooted association that spanned more than thirty years. His path to power was far from conventional; coming from a family that staunchly supported the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), his decision to join the BJP caused initial friction within his own household. He famously recounted how he effectively “left home” for over a decade to pursue his political ambitions under the BJP banner.
His electoral journey was characterized by persistence. After an unsuccessful debut in 1989 and subsequent setbacks in 1994 and 1999—though he managed to secure his deposit in the latter—he finally found electoral success in 2002. He went on to secure consecutive victories in 2007 and 2012.
Rise to the State’s Top Office
Parsekar’s most significant career milestone arrived in November 2014, when he was appointed Chief Minister of Goa following the elevation of Manohar Parrikar to the Union Cabinet as the Defence Minister. He holds the distinction of being only the second leader from the BJP to hold the state’s top office.
However, his political trajectory saw a downturn in 2017 when he lost his seat to Dayanand Sopte. Tensions culminated in 2022 when, after being denied a ticket for the Mandrem constituency, Parsekar chose to sever ties with the party.
With this reunion, the BJP aims to leverage the experience of the former state president—who held the post in 1999 and again in 2010—as it prepares for the next electoral cycle. Both the party leadership and Parsekar appear focused on moving past previous grievances, prioritizing organizational strength as they look toward 2027.
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