BJP fulfils promise, Amonkar sworn in as Goa minister

Amonkar sworn in as Goa minister

BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar from Mormugao was sworn in as a minister in the Goa Cabinet on Saturday.

Cabinet vacancy filled after Ravi Naik's death

One Cabinet berth became vacant after former Goa Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik died in October last year. Amonkar's induction fills that position.

Fulfilment of 2022 defection promise

Amonkar's induction is seen as fulfilment of a promise made when he crossed over to the BJP in 2022. He was among eight Congress MLAs who defected to the BJP in September 2022.

Amonkar's path to the cabinet

Amonkar contested the 2022 Assembly elections on a Congress ticket and defeated three-time BJP MLA Milind Naik from Mormugao. He was appointed Chairperson of the Sewerage and Infrastructural Development Corporation of Goa Limited last year.

Third defector to reach cabinet

Amonkar is the third legislator among the eight former Congress MLAs who crossed over to be inducted in the Sawant-led Cabinet. Nilesh Cabral and Aleixo Sequeira were inducted previously.

Amonkar thanks party leadership

Amonkar told media he is grateful to BJP leaders, colleagues and the party high command. He said the government has built a bridge in sixty-five days, showing there is time to fulfil responsibilities.

“This government has built a bridge in 65 days, so I would say there is a lot of time to do things.”

Elections expected in early 2027

The Assembly election in Goa is likely to be held in early 2027. Amonkar's induction comes months ahead of the coastal state's elections.