the goan I network
PANAJI
BJP state president Vinay Tendulkar on Sunday claimed that two more MLAs from the Opposition will support the BJP-led coalition government in the State after the bypoll results are out on May 23.
Tendulkar who is also a Rajya Sabha member said BJP will win all the six contests in Goa -- two Lok Sabha seats and the bypolls to the four Assembly seats of Mandrem, Mapusa, Panaji and Shiroda.
“After results are declared we (BJP-led coalition government) will have a total of 24 MLAs (18 plus 6) in the team. In addition to this, two more Opposition MLAs will support us,” Tendulkar said at a press conference held at the party headquarters.
Tendulkar, however, declined to identify the two MLAs were but added that the legislators will not quit their party but will support govt.
Meanwhile, Tendulkar took a dig at GPCC president Girish Chodankar saying the latter should keep to his word that he would resign from the party if Monserrate is ever taken back in the party after Youth Congress worker who were protesting in support of the IT Park at Dona Paula were thrashed by his supporters.
Tendulkar also taunted Chodankar by challenging him whether he could get leaders like Sankalp Amonkar, Sunil Kauthankar and Khalap who were victims of that episode to campaign for the Panjim bypoll.
Tendulkar: Did not use Utpal’s
name to promote party
PANAJI: BJP state president Vinay Tendulkar on Sunday refuted allegations that BJP leaders used Utpal Parrikar to promote the party and accused the Opposition of fueling an unnecessary controversy with the intention of creating a rift.
“We did not promote Utpal. The party’s central committee has decided on the ticket. The Opposition is only trying to create a rift in our party”, Tendulkar said, adding that all BJP workers are united and working for the party’s victory in the Panaji by-polls.
After Manohar Parrikar’s demise Utpal was shortlisted by BJP’s State unit along with the party’s eventual candidate, Siddharth Kuncolienkar and recommended to the party’s central leadership which opted for the latter.
