GSM fields a physiotherapist to
take on BJP and Monserrate
THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Following the withdrawal of its Panaji candidate on medical grounds, Goa Suraksha Manch on Saturday announced a new candidate for Panaji “ Dr Ketan Bhatikar.
Speaking to media persons after his candidature was declared, Dr Bhatikar, a physiotherapist by profession, said, “I have already held a discussion with Sukerkar Friday night. He has told me to go ahead and once he is back he will guide me further.”
Asked how his profession will help him in politics, he said, “Physiotherapy tells me to relieve pain. In politics, people give pain. I will see to it that pain is relieved in Panaji.”
Sukerkar has withdrawn his candidature for Panaji following health issues for which he was in Mumbai for a health check-up.
Commenting on who would be his main opponent in Panaji “ Babush Monserrate or Sidharth Kuncalienkar, he said, “At this moment, I am not looking at competition. I want to first win peoples’ hearts, secure votes and win elections.”
He also informed that his meetings with party members in Panaji have already commenced.
“Soon, my manifesto for Panaji will be released which will list my promises to Panjimites. People have already seen the old faces in politics so they should give me the opportunity,” he said.
Questioned on whether 15 days would be enough for campaigning in Panaji, GSM President Anand Shirodkar said, “GSM is a party with a strong organisational base. Though candidate is important, we don’t wait for the candidate to take our movement ahead. We have already set up the structure in Panaji constituency even before Sukerkar’s candidature was declared.”
Asked if Sukerkar was pressurised by the BJP to withdraw his candidature, Shirodkar said, “For us, a party member is more important than winning. So we told him to withdraw because of health issues. He will lead Bhatikar’s campaign in Panaji.”
