Utpal Parrikar, the son of late Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, on Thursday, November 18, reiterated his claim for a BJP ticket to contest from Panaji Assembly seat, which was represented by his father, while also warning of tough decisions he might have to take in case the BJP denies him the ticket ahead of Goa elections.
Speaking to media persons after meeting several supporters and wellwishers at the Mahalaxmi temple in Panaji on the occasion of his birthday, Utpal said, "I have already said I have informed my party that I want to contest elections from Panaji and I am confident that my party would give me a ticket,"
When asked if he would contest the polls as an independent if he is denied a ticket, Utpal said: "I do not want to speak about this now. Manohar Parrikar did not get anything in life easily and I too will have to work hard and I may have to make some tough decisions. I have asked the goddess for strength towards that end".
Although BJP has not declared its candidature for the elections, Utpal has already started campaigning in Panaji.
"I will also stay within the BJP (and fight it out). When the time comes to make a decision, I will listen to the people. I have told the party and the party will give me (ticket). I am confident about it," he further said, adding that he would not spell out his future strategy just yet.
Utpal was tipped to get the Panaji Assembly bypoll ticket after his father's demise in 2019, however, he was sidelined in favour of Sidharth Kuncalienkar, a Parrikar aide.
The BJP lost the Panaji seat to Congress candidate Atanasio Monserrate in the by-election held after the death of Manohar Parrikar in 2019.
Monserrate later joined BJP along with nine other MLAs of Congress.
Utpal Parrikar, a businessman with a Master's degree from the US, had announced his intention to join politics soon after his father's death in March 2019.
