PANAJI
Nonetheless, he also has to face tough competition from St Cruz MLA Atanasio Monserrate, who will contest from Panaji.
He has already begun his campaign in the constituency in a planned and strategic manner. Though he is not a Panaji resident, he is attached to the Goa Cricket Association as a medical director.
The young physiotherapist has replaced Krishnaraj Sukerkar who was announced as GSM candidate, but later withdrew on health grounds.
When asked about why he chose to contest from Panaji, he said, “If you see even Manohar Parrikar has come from Mapusa to Panaji. Many other candidates too have done a similar thing like changing their constituencies for contesting the polls. I felt Panaji is a constituency which gives more respect to a deserving candidate. Panjimites understand education better than any individual. So I felt I owe a chance to change the face of Panaji because BJP has been ruling it since last many years.”
Speaking further, he said, “When Rajubhai fell ill, I was approached and I felt this was the right time to come out openly and explain my stand. Instead of making fake promises, it is better to take people into confidence and do it together.”
Commenting on why he chose GSM over other political parties in the State, he said, “There are two things as regards GSM is concerned - respect for the Party and respect for Subhash Velingkar as an individual. Earlier, I was involved in many activities taken up by BBSM, especially the public meeting held at Farmagudi, Ponda which evoked huge response. People have taken GSM and its ideologies in a wrong way. It has never opposed learning or speaking English. But it is being projected wrongly by some individuals. Politics is become a dirty game, so I felt it is better to be under a honest leader.”
Panaji has been BJP’s bastion since 1994 and was represented by the then Chief Minister and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Even after Parrikar was elevated as the Defence Minister, BJP retained the Panaji seat.
When asked about the same, Dr Bhatikar said, “I am too small to comment on Parrikar. He is the defence minister of the country and I will always maintain the dignity and respect of the position he holds. But it feels very sad to say that I have been a part of the same agitation of which Parrikar too was a part. The same individual has taken a complete U-turn for reasons unknown. As regards Panaji, I don’t take it as a competition between me and him and for that matter even Babush as everyone knows Parrikar and Babush are completely fixed.”
Commenting on his election campaign, he said,
“We have started with our campaign and it is being
done in a completely different manner.
