The sons of two stalwarts of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have announced their intention to contest in the impending Goa Assembly elections.
Late Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s son Utpal Parrikar on Thursday said the people of his father’s constituency Panaji were happy with him and the party should consider his candidature.
Asked whether he can contest as an independent candidate, Utpal declined to comment, saying he only wanted the BJP to consider his possible nomination.
In an exclusive conversation with News18.com, Utpal Parrikar said that he has not officially announced anything about his decision.
“For the last two months, I have been meeting booth level party workers who were also with my father and the general public. I told the party that I want to contest the election and since the party has not said anything on the candidature yet, I do not want to say anything.
Union Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik’s son Siddhesh Shripad Naik, however, seemed excited about getting the ticket.
“I have been working for the party since 2003 and held several positions including the president from Kambarjua, the constituency where I want to contest. I have won the district panchayat elections on a party ticket with a huge margin.
BJP-ruled Goa has 40 assembly seats and elections are likely to be held next month.
Fighting resistance from sections of the party, both sons have claimed the election ticket, promising that they would win if they were allowed to contest.
When Siddhesh was asked whether he could contest independently if the BJP didn’t choose him, he said, “Last time, I was denied ticket because Congress MLAs switched to the BJP. I joined the party.” I sacrificed my life and didn’t contest the election. This time, I have worked tirelessly and I am sure I will be considered.”
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