MAPUSA
In a show of solidarity with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision, aspirants who were vying for the North Goa parliamentary seat, despite not being shortlisted, have pledged their support to Union Minister Shripad Naik in the interest of the party.
Last week, the BJP Central Election Committee declared Shripad Naik as the party’s candidate for an unprecedented sixth consecutive term for the North Goa Lok Sabha seat.
Among the contenders were BJP stalwarts like former Mandrem MLA Dayanand Sopte, ex-Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar, and former Water Resources Minister Dayanand Mandrekar, all of whom were keen on contesting.
Dayanand Sopte, who had previously stirred controversy by suggesting that Shripad Naik should step aside for new aspirants, stated, “I am entirely content with the party’s decision. Now that Shripad Naik’s candidature has been announced, we will work tirelessly for the party’s victory in North Goa.”
“Whatever the party decides we have to accept. In fact, I have already started working in that direction. We already had two meetings in Mandrem. This time we will break the record of winning margin in all 20 constituencies,” he added.
Two months ago, while staking claim to contest the parliamentary polls, Sopte had said the union minister who had served the constituency for five terms had become old and should take rest.
Similarly, Dilip Parulekar acknowledged the party’s choice, emphasising the importance of party unity and expressing confidence in Shripad Naik’s electoral success.
“We are party cadre, and we will abide by the party’s decision. Shripad will undoubtedly emerge victorious in the elections,” he affirmed, while also drawing consolation that his name was shortlisted for candidacy.
Former minister Dayanand Mandrekar, acknowledged the presence of anti-incumbency sentiment but remained optimistic about the party’s prospects.
“Although anti-incumbency is a factor, we are confident of winning. The victory margin may decrease, especially with the presence of a third party in the fray,” he commented, alluding to the RGP’s participation in the parliamentary elections.
