Utpal Parrikar, the son of the late former Goa Prime Minister Manohar Parrikar, has launched a door-to-door campaign for Goa’s upcoming general election, although the BJP has yet to decide on his candidacy. Utpal Parrikar has lobbied to get the BJP’s ticket to the seat of the Panaji Assembly, which his father had represented for more than two decades. But the governing party gives him the cold shoulder.
The seat is in the news as Goa officer in charge of BJP, Devendra Fadnavis has said that just because a contender is the son of Manohar Parrikar or any leader does not automatically qualify him for the BJP’s ticket.
A resilient utpal was seen in Panaji On Saturday he went door to door asking residents to vote for him.
Asked about Fadnavis’ comment, Utpal said in an interview: “The kind of politics that is happening in Goa I cannot tolerate. It’s not acceptable to me. Are they suggesting that winability alone is the criterion (and that integrity doesn’t matter)? Character doesn’t matter? And you’re going to give the ticket to a person with a criminal record and we have to sit quietly at home?”
The Panaji constituency is currently represented by BJP MLA Atanasio Monserratte, who joined the BJP from Congress in 2019.
Utpal Parrikar assured that he would not remain silent if the BJP gave incumbent MP Atanasio Monserratte the party ticket for the Panaji constituency.
Utpal makes a point of emphasizing clean politics as Monserratte, a former congressman, faces a string of cases including rioting and rape from 2008. Monserratte is also in the running for a BJP ticket from Panaji.
BJP leaders from the Panaji Assembly constituency who used to work with his father are currently supporting him in his campaign, Utpal Parrikar said.
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national leader Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday his party will welcome Utpal Parrikar if he is ready to join it. Kejriwal said: “I respect Manohar Parrikar. If his son is willing to join AAP, he is most welcome.”
Sunila Sardesai, a local, said: “We want clean politics and Parrikar’s legacy. I will vote for Utpal no matter which party he argues with.
Singer and social activist Hema Sardesai said: “I received an offer from TMC to run as an independent candidate and other parties are willing to support her. But if Utpal fights the election, I don’t have to fight. He’s a face that Panjim demands.”
General elections in Goa are scheduled for February 14th.
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