PANAJI
Stating that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Goa is with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar stated that he only believes in Nagpur-based Sangh and not any other Sangh outfit.
He was reacting to the statement by the breakaway RSS leader Subhash Velingkar that none of the RSS members in Goa will vote for the BJP in the upcoming elections.
“Sangh parivar in Goa is fully supporting the BJP. The Sangh you are talking about, I don’t consider it as the Sangh. I believe in Sangh which has its headquarters in Nagpur”, said Parrikar.
Declining to comment on Velingkar, he said, “I do not want to comment on Velingkar. He has formed a political party and they are going ahead with their agenda and we are moving ahead with our agenda. The people have to decide.”
Asked about the complaint filed against him with the Election Commission for violating the model code of conduct, he said, “Let the election commission investigate the same and find out about the comments I made.”
Commenting on whether he would return to State politics, he said, “What the Party President said is very clear and I would reiterate what he has said. I am a disciplined worker of the party. Whatever the party has told me, I have abided by it. Now too I am ready to do what the party tells me.”
Reiterating that the casinos are a gift of the Congress to Goa, he said, “Check the dates of licences. It is of 2007. Who was ruling the state? Fact is a fact. That cannot be altered. On the contrary, we have reduced the number of casinos. The State Government has already taken its decision about the casinos that they should be moved out of Mandovi River. Once we find a proper place to relocate them, they will be moved out so that they do not become an eyesore.”
Exuding confidence that BJP will win the upcoming election with two-third majority, he said, “Looking at the response during the campaign, our confidence to achieve two-third majority has doubled. BJP has carried out its election campaign extensively in all 36 constituencies which we are contesting. Additionally, our workers are actively campaigning in Navelim and Priol where we have extended support to independent candidates. I personally have campaigned across all constituencies and held over 200 corner meetings.”
