PANAJI
If there was any doubts among the Bharatiya Janata Party workers in the wake of the rift with the BBSM, the party workers’ convention sought to reassure the flock, with Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar taking potshots at the BBSM and RSS rebels.
The convention held in Panaji on Saturday, the day the party celebrated the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also sought to deride the Aam Aadmi Party.
“There are many who seek to divide us. They say that ‘Parsekar is good, but Parrikar is a cheat. They are among us. We (the government) has accepted the maxim that the mother tongue is the best medium of instruction of the child. Over the last four years we have given permission for more than 93 schools in Marathi and Konkani. We give ₹400 for each student,” Parsekar said.
“Despite this, they say we have murdered the mother tongue. They say they will not sleep until the BJP is ended. There are 1600 political parties, if there is one more there would be no problem. We are the biggest political party,” Parsekar said triumphantly.
Parsekar said that whatever goodwill existed between the BJP and the BBSM has now ended and that he will speak freely his mind about the BBSM even as he encouraged the BJP workers to do the same.
Defence Minister Parrikar too took potshots at the BBSM.
“Take a look at our manifesto, it is clearly mentioned that there will be importance to local languages. As a political party we have to take everyone along. It’s not my fault if people do not know the meaning of amicable solution to the problem created by the Congress. We have not reneged on any promise,” Parrikar said.
“The sangh has taught us discipline. Even if others are undisciplined, I should not lose my discipline,” Parrikar said apparently referring to Subhash Velingkar.
“I’ve had to keep my mouth shut. I have to be patient. The people of Goa know me. I don’t need certificate from anyone else. If the issue (MoI) remains till elections, then I will give an appropriate response,” he added.
Hitting at the AAP, Parrikar sought to point out that nearly 36 people have died due to Chikungunya in New Delhi.
“Chikungunya 36 people have died, and the health minister is on leave. DyCM is in Goa and Health Minister is on a world tour. If your mohalla clinics are so good, how did so many people die”, Parrikar asked.
“His tongue has grown longer after ranting for so long. You cannot fool all the people all the time. It is time that they are exposed,” Parrikar said.
“We will be able to achieve almost three to four times what we have done in the past five years if we get another term,” Parrikar said.
