PANAJI
Indications that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is exploring a rapprochement with former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Utpal Parrikar, both of who had rebelled and contested the 2022 assembly elections as independents, have set off intense political speculation, with party insiders viewing the move as a timely "consolidation" ahead of the 2027 electoral battle. Both Parsekar and Utpal, had parted ways with the BJP in dramatic fashion ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections after being denied party tickets.
Choosing to rebel, they contested as Independents and emerged as significant challengers despite ultimately losing their respective contests.
In Mandrem, Parsekar, a former chief minister and three-time MLA, entered the fray after the BJP retained Dayanand Sopte as its candidate. The contest ended in a split of the traditional BJP vote, with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party's Jit Arolkar emerging victorious. Parsekar had secured 5,811 votes and finished third, while BJP candidate Sopte came second with 9,672 votes. In Panaji, Utpal, son of former chief minister Manohar Parrikar, mounted a spirited challenge after the BJP refused him the ticket and fielded sitting MLA and current Revenue Minister Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate. Utpal polled 6,071 votes and lost by 716 votes to Monserrate, who secured 6,787 votes. Those results demonstrate that both leaders retained a loyal support base capable of influencing electoral outcomes.
"The BJP has little to gain by keeping either leader outside the party fold," a senior BJP leader said.
Both command dedicated pockets of support and continue to enjoy goodwill among sections of traditional BJP voters.
A return by Parsekar could strengthen the BJP in Pernem taluka, particularly in Mandrem, where the party has struggled to manage internal divisions.
As for Utpal, a reconciliation could help the BJP mend fences with the dedicated Parrikar support base which is reportedly annoyed by the party and government's perceived attempts to undermine the former leader's legacy.
That said, any re-entry of the Parsekar-Utpal duo may also give rise to fresh challenges within the party, a top BJP source said.
In Panaji, questions could arise if the party seeks to accommodate Utpal when Monserrate has the city in a vice-like grip, politically.
Similarly, in Mandrem, the party could find itself in knots to manage local equations involving ex-MLA Dayanand Sopte and sitting MLA, Jit Arolkar belonging to alliance partner Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), if Parsekar is to be admitted and accomodated. Neither Parsekar nor Utpal, meanwhile, have publicly confirmed reports of the ongoing talks and BJP leaders, too, have remained guarded, describing it as an 'internal organisational matter' to avoid commenting. BJP State president, Damodar (Damu) Naik, who recently was locked in intense discussions with Parsekar and Sopte at a public function in Mandrem, also did not respond to calls.
Nobody can dictate where I should contest: Monserrate
Amid the speculation linked to the party's purported talks with former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Utpal Parrikar, Revenue Minister and Panaji MLA, Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate said it is good that those who left the party are coming back but insisted he will stay put in BJP and contest the next election from Panaji. "Nobody can dictate where I should contest," Monserrate said on Saturday, insisting that he will remain in the BJP and contest from Panaji. He was responding to a pointed question whether he would shift to Taleigao or St Cruz if the party so suggests to accommodate Utpal in Panaji. "The party has not told me anything yet," Monserrate said.
