Devendra Fadnavis addressing a press conference in Panaji on Wednesday
Gomantak Times
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP's Goa election in-charge Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, January 12, stated that Utpal Parrikar cannot be given a BJP ticket just because he is the son of Late Manohar Parrikar.
Addressing a press conference in Panaji, "Manohar Parrikar has worked hard to establish BJP in Goa. But Utpal Parrikar cannot be given a BJP ticket just because he is the son of former Goa CM Manohar Parrikar. BJP has a parliamentary board which will review his work and decide on a ticket accordingly," Fadnavis said.
Utpal had announced he will contest the next Assembly election from the Panaji constituency on a BJP ticket. The party, however, has not yet given a nod to his candidature.
He also came down heavily on Michael Lobo, who quit BJP to join Congress ahead of the 2022 Goa Assembly elections and said that Lobo is facing anti-incumbency in Calangute.
"Michael Lobo is facing anti-incumbency in Calangute constituency as reflected in an internal BJP survey. He was therefore not sure of getting a ticket and so left the party. BJP will win the Calangute seat regardless at the 2022 polls. Those who put their wife first and want the progress of their family have gone to Congress. Those who put the nation first and Goa's progress first are in BJP."
On Tuesday, January 11, the former BJP minister along with his wife Delilah Lobo joined Congress.
Goa polls are slated to be held on February 14. The counting of the votes will happen on March 10.
