Following strong rumors linking BCP’s Bagalatia Arone to the BDP, The Telegraph’s Victor Baatweng looks at the MP’s remarks in the media space.
April 2013: Cosy relationship with Khama ÔÇô Arone’s close relationship with President Ian Khama set tongues wagging among BCP members in Okavango constituency. He has been a member of parliament for the area for the past seven years.
May 2013: Against being bought – Arone cautioned BCP supporters in Mogoditshane constituency from being easily bought by the BDP. He was speaking at a rally to welcome the current BCP Youth league President Chillyboy Rakgare.
24 October 2014: Retains Okavango ÔÇô Arone retains Okavango constituency parliamentary seat. Bagalatia Arone (BCP) – 6864.
Mbaha Kambimba (BDP) – 5473
Vista Moruti (UDC) – 215.
30 October 2014: MPs swearing in – Bagalatia Arone was the first MP to be sworn in following the October 2014 general elections. He did his first swearing in Seyei but was later ordered to do so in Setswana or English as the official languages of the proceedings of the house.
July 2015: Water Crisis national issue ÔÇô Arone vowed that the opposition will not allow parliament to discuss anything than Gaborone Central MP Phenyo Butale’s urgent motion on water and electricity crisis today.
August 2015: Not going anywhere ÔÇô Arone denied claims that he was planning to leave the BCP. Speculation was rife within the media circles that the Okavango MP is on his way out to either the UDC or the ruling BDP.
November 2015: Opposition parties’ power prophesy ÔÇô In November 2015, Arone challenged BDP MPs who are from marginalised constituencies to dump their party and join opposition parties. Arone says a united opposition will win power in 2019 and their constituencies are under threat.
February 2016: Kicked out of parliament ÔÇô Speaker of the national assembly ordered Arone out of parliament after Arone he switched off Minister Prince Maele’s micro phone during a heated debate.
June 2016: Rumored out ÔÇô Arone, a member of the three team member of BCP MPs in Parliament is strongly rumored to jumpship. His next political home, it is alleged will be the ruling BDP.
