PANAJI
The BJP Goa Unit has shot back at the Aam Aadmi Party Goa Unit for accusing them of implicating AAP State President Amit Palekar in the Banastarim fatal accident. The ruling party leaders have dismissed it as a ploy by AAP to gain political edge.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Panaji on Friday, senior BJP leaders maintained that the police act based on evidence while outrightly denying allegations that they pressured Palekar to join the party.
“We all know that the police do not arrest anyone without evidence. Allegations that BJP pressured Palekar to join the party, which if not, he would be implicated in the Banastarim case, are false. We have a huge majority both at the Centre and in the Goa Assembly. We are capable. However, if anyone wants to join, they are welcome,” former minister Dilip Parulekar said.
State Secretary Dayanand Sopte, also present at the press briefing, criticized AAP for their accusations and asked Palekar to use his legal expertise before making such claims. Sopte also called on Palekar to disclose the name of the BJP leader who made calls to him pressuring him to join the party.
“BJP does not resort to coercion or threats to make people join the party. Palekar should reveal the name of that BJP leader,” he demanded.
The BJP also contended that Palekar and the AAP are making these allegations against the party solely for political gain.
