Defeat broke my heart, but will return strong: Parsekar

PERNEM r rHaving had to return to his educational institution, Parsekar is sore about his defeat and wants to avenge his loss by returning with a bang in 2022. r“Yes, the defeat broke my heart, but democracy is all about victory and defeat. One should have a large heart to accept defeat, since one can learn so many things from such failures,” stated Parsekar, while interacting with The Goan. r“I have already identified the reasons for my defeat,” he added. rParsekar, however, said he has nothing against Pernem MLA Dayanand Sopte. “I will not create any hurdles for the opposition MLA. People have elected him to do their work. Let us give him a chance to serve the people,” he said. rAsked about his role in the BJP following his ouster and if he had been offered any prominent post, Parsekar replied: “I was the state party president twice and during my tenure as president I brought the party twice to power. However, I don’t rhave interest in this rpost now.” r“The party had offered me a high position, but I refused. Even if the party wants to appoint me governor of a state or the country’s president, I wont accept it. Many even suggested that I contest the RS elections, but I refused. My focus is to first avenge my defeat in Mandrem. I will get re-elected as Mandrem MLA in the next election and only then will I decide on my future in politics.” rThat Parsekar was clearly sore over his loss in the polls was evident as he spoke at length on the topic. “My own party workers caused confusion among the people. When I became CM, these workers spread rumours that I was not available to the public like before and that I don’t visit my constituency. They also accused me of ignoring public and becoming arrogant.” r“As expected, voters fell prey to such rumours. My close aides joined the rival group and conspired against me. I didn’t have any idea,” said Parsekar. rBut at the same time, he pointed out to other benefits associated with his loss. r“When in power, I was under stress and constantly worried about the State. As I am not in power, my diabetes is under control and I am fit as there are no problems confronting me like jobs, transfers, promotions, etc. I am free from all these worries and I feel I can live 10 years longer, given the stress-free period for the next five years,” Parsekar said. rThe former chief minister said he would now focus on his educational institution. r“The defeat in polls has enabled me to focus completely on my educational institute. When I was MLA, minister and chief minister, the Harmal Panchkroshi Education Society faced some difficulties and I plan to recover the losses within the next five years.”