MAPUSA
In BJP, a person does not get an election ticket just because he is the son of a politician, said BJP’s State election in-charge, Devendra Fadnavis, clearly dropping a hint that Utpal Parrikar may not get the ticket in this election.
Fadnavis on Wednesday also said the opposition has realised the strength of BJP and were therefore making attempts to form an alliance for the February 14 election.
“We acknowledge the fact that late Manohar Parrikar has done a lot of work to establish the BJP in the State. But BJP does not issue a ticket just because he’s the son of Manohar Parrikar or son of some politician. If he (Utpal Parrikar) has done some good work in the party then we will think of it,” Fadnavis said.
“In any case, I cannot take a decision in this matter. Our central parliamentary board will take a final decision on tickets,” he added.
The State election in charge was responding to a query from journalists on the recent meeting of Utpal Parrikar with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the interest he has shown to contest the 2022 election.
Speaking further, Fadnavis recalled that former union minister and Maharashtra strong man Sharad Pawar had tried to bring all splinter parties together in a bid to form a maha-alliance during the Lok Sabha elections but failed miserably to create any impact.
“The attempt by Pawarji to bring opposition parties on one platform in the State for the 2022 assembly polls indicates that the opposition acknowledges the strength of BJP. They know they will be wiped off and therefore are making a last-ditch effort to stop the BJP,” he said.
Delving on the recent desertions from the BJP, he said most of those who have quit the party were aware of the anti-incumbency against them and therefore weak chance of getting a ticket.
“Those who have entered the BJP are aware of the better prospects of getting elected on our party ticket. The combined strength of theirs and ours will make it a formidable prospect,” he said.
He said former minister Michael Lobo left the party because BJP denied a ticket to his wife while Congress agreed to offer it.
