PANAJI:
The Congress on Sunday said the constant delay in deadlines set by the BJP to finalise its candidate for the Panjim bypoll clearly indicates that the sympathy of Manohar Parrikar, which they were claiming to exist, was just hype.
Goa Pradesh Congress president, Girish Chodankar said, if there existed a sympathy factor, then the BJP would not have taken even a day to declare its candidate for the Panaji seat.
"BJP office bearers who went around conducting a survey for the the Panaji by-election have realized that there is no acceptance for the party in the constituency after Parrikar miserably failed to deliver over the last 25 years," Chodankar said, adding that the late leader even failed to provide at least 10-hours of water supply and citizens of the capital continued to struggle for even two hours of proper water supply.
"The illusion of Parrikar sympathy that was being attempted to be created also has no buyers as people want a leader who can deliver for the constituency which has been lacking in basic amenities," Chodankar said in a press release.
Chodankar said the BJP tried to test the waters by first introducing Utpal Parrikar as their possible candidate but failed to get a response, due to which they have now decided on "their former corrupt MLA Siddharth Kunkolienkar".
The way things are in Panjim and the mood of the people, the BJP candidate may finish third in this election, with GSM outshining them, he added.
Chodankar also claimed that BJP workers have already shifted to the Congress side and are seen campaigning with Babush Monserratte as they can see a performing leader in him.
Even before the election process could start, the BJP conceded its defeat which is reflected in the fact that although a few hours are left for nominations to be closed, they were unable to announce their candidate.
"The Congress is going strong in the constituency and will clinch a victory," Chodankar said and assured the people to fulfill the promises made.
"In the next two years Panjim will move in the direction of reviving its past glory which it has lost due to its MLA's failure in performing basic duties," Chodankar added.
