Exclusive Interview/ Dr Pramod Sawant, chief minister, Goa
Q/ As the longest-serving BJP chief minister in the state, what have been your major achievements?
First is ‘Swayampurna Goa’, an initiative close to my heart. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, we created a governance model where the administration reaches citizens at their doorstep.
Second is the transformation of Goa’s infrastructure and connectivity. With the strong support of the Central government, we have delivered landmark projects such as the Manohar International Airport at Mopa, the New Zuari Bridge, the six-lane Mopa Airport Link Road, major expansions of NH-66 and the Porvorim Elevated Corridor. We have strengthened our social infrastructure through the super speciality block at Goa Medical College, the South Goa District Hospital, the new Government Hospital at Tuem and the permanent campus of NIT Goa. Our vision is to build a future-ready Goa where world-class connectivity, quality health care, modern education and economic opportunities reach every part of the state, improving everyday life.
Third, and perhaps the most personally fulfilling, is bringing greater security and dignity to Goan families. Through ‘Mhaje Ghar’, we are addressing longstanding housing ownership concerns, giving eligible families the opportunity for legal security over their homes. We have strengthened social security through timely financial assistance with multiple social sector schemes for women, senior citizens and vulnerable families, while expanding access to health care and essential medicines.
My vision has always been simple: Goa’s progress should be visible in its infrastructure, experienced through its governance, and felt in the everyday lives of every Goan family. That is the spirit in which we are working towards Swayampurna and Viksit Goem (self-reliant and developed Goa).
Q/ Beyond Goa’s image as a tourism hotspot, your government has focused on its rich civilisational and cultural heritage.
Goa’s identity is much larger than its beaches. It is a land of ancient civilisations, spirituality, maritime heritage and centuries-old traditions. From the Kadamba dynasty to our temples, forts, folk arts and vibrant festivals, Goa carries a remarkable cultural legacy that deserves to be celebrated and preserved.
Our government has made a conscious effort to rediscover and revive this heritage. We have restored the historic Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple at Narve, promoted the Ekadasha Teertha pilgrimage circuit, and undertaken conservation of heritage sites. The proposed Koti Tirth Corridor at Divar, where significant archaeological remains have been discovered, reflects our commitment to reconnecting Goa with its pre-colonial civilisational history. At the same time, we are celebrating our living traditions, from Shigmo and São João to our distinctive Konkani language, music, architecture and village culture.
Q/ What is your vision for the next generation that does not want to depend only on tourism or migrate for opportunities?
My vision is simple: young Goans should have the freedom to pursue their ambitions without feeling compelled to leave their state for better opportunities. Goa has tremendous potential to become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and high-value employment, while continuing to build on the strengths of our tourism economy.
We are consciously diversifying Goa’s economy towards pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, IT, artificial intelligence, electronics manufacturing and knowledge-based industries. Our Goa Startup Policy provides support for seed capital, innovation, intellectual property and entrepreneurship, encouraging young Goans to become job creators.
Equally important is bridging the gap between education and employment. Through our Chief Minister’s Apprenticeship Policy, over 11,400 young people have gained practical work experience in government establishments. Initiatives such as Campus to Career, Career Jagor and Mukhyamantri Swayam Rozgar Yojana are strengthening career guidance, industry exposure, skill development and entrepreneurship. We are working towards an ecosystem where education leads to employability and talent finds meaningful opportunities within Goa itself.
Q/ As polls are around the corner, how prepared are you as the CM candidate? How many seats do you think the BJP will win?
I have always considered public service a responsibility rather than a position. The BJP has entrusted me with the opportunity to serve Goa as chief minister since 2019, and I remain deeply grateful for that trust. As far as the chief ministerial candidate is concerned, that decision rests with the party leadership.
Our preparations for the 2027 assembly elections are underway across all 40 constituencies. We are reviewing development priorities, strengthening grassroots engagement and reaching out to citizens to understand their expectations.
Our aim is to form the government once again and continue serving the people of Goa with renewed commitment and dedication.
Q/ The country has witnessed massive Gen Z protests. Will these impact the Goa polls?
Our youth are the strength of our democracy, and every citizen has the constitutional right to protest peacefully. However, with that right comes responsibility. Genuine concerns of students deserve to be heard and addressed, but protests must remain focused on the issues they seek to resolve.
I am concerned about attempts to politicise genuine youth concerns through selective facts, misleading narratives and unrelated ideological agendas. During the NEET protests in Goa, we saw placards demanding the release of Umar Khalid. I had publicly questioned what connection such demands had with students’ concerns over examinations. Similarly, during the recent protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), slogans concerning hindutva raised serious concerns about communal harmony. The matter is under investigation. There is an important distinction between expressing democratic dissent and allowing a legitimate public issue to become a platform for unrelated, divisive messaging.
Regarding SIR, the Election Commission has a constitutional responsibility to maintain accurate electoral rolls. Every genuine concern about inclusion or deletion deserves examination through facts, transparency and due process. Political allegations should also be subjected to the same scrutiny, rather than presented as established facts.
I have complete faith in the maturity, awareness and independent judgment of Goan youth. Our government respects their aspirations and remains committed to engaging with them on education, employment and opportunities.
Q/ Who do you view as your main opposition—the Congress or the AAP?
Our focus is not on deciding whether the Congress or the AAP is our bigger opponent. Our focus is on the people of Goa and the responsibility they have entrusted on us. We are confident about forming the government once again.
The opposition can promise the stars and the moon, but making promises is much easier than fulfilling them. The real question is whether they have a credible roadmap, the resources and the commitment to deliver. Goans deserve practical solutions and accountable governance, rather than announcements made merely for electoral advantage.
We have a record of governance to place before the people.... Our confidence comes from the work we have undertaken and our commitment to carry it forward.
Q/ The AAP has an alliance with the Goa Forward Party. Does that make it a bigger threat in the coastal belt?
Political alliances are easy to announce, but sustaining them requires a common vision, mutual trust and commitment. The AAP and the Goa Forward Party announced their alliance with considerable publicity, but within weeks, differences emerged over their approach towards the Congress and broader opposition unity. I believe the people of Goa are capable of judging the consistency and credibility of such political arrangements.
We do not underestimate any political party, nor do we base our preparations on the division of opposition votes. Every constituency matters to us, including the coastal belt. Our government remains focused on the priorities of coastal communities, including sustainable tourism, fishermen’s welfare, beach infrastructure, environmental conservation and opportunities for local businesses.
Q/ What about the BJP’s alliance? How many seats will you leave for the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party?
The BJP and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party have been partners in the government, and we value the cooperation and understanding that have contributed to Goa’s development.
As far as seat-sharing for the 2027 assembly elections is concerned, these decisions will be taken through discussions between the respective party leaderships, including our central leadership. It would be premature for me to announce a specific number before those discussions are concluded.
Q/ What can Goans look forward to if the BJP is voted back to power?
Our vision for Goa extends far beyond the next election. We are working towards Viksit Goem 2037, where economic prosperity, social security, environmental sustainability and the preservation of our unique Goan identity go hand in hand.
The next phase of Goa’s development will focus on creating greater opportunities and improving the quality of everyday life. We intend to accelerate investments in pharmaceuticals, IT, emerging technologies and manufacturing, while strengthening industry-linked education, skill development, startups and women-led entrepreneurship. Through modern infrastructure, better health care, quality education and citizen-centric governance, we want the benefits of development to reach every household.
Our farmers, fishermen, traditional businesses and rural communities will remain central to this journey. We want to strengthen local livelihoods, expand access to markets and promote sustainable tourism that creates opportunities across Goa. At the same time, clean energy, responsible development, environmental conservation and the protection of Goa’s cultural heritage will remain important priorities.
