PANAJI
The decision to allot the Panaji seat to its current MLA, Atanasio Babush Monserrate, has landed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) deeper into the Utpal Parrikar conundrum as the son of the former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is refusing to blink over his claim to his father's traditional seat.
The tussle between Monserrate and Parrikar junior for the party nomination in Panaji had been playing out for several weeks with the latter publicly campaigning and gaining traction among a section of the party's traditional supporters and cadre in the capital.
Soon after it was clear that the party has opted for Monserrate when Maharashtra Opposition Leader Devendra Fadnavis released the party's first list of 34 candidates at a press conference in Delhi, Parrikar Junior said he had no desire and will not contest the Bicholim seat offered to him.
“My name is being discussed for BJP candidature from Bicholim constituency, but I have no desire to contest from Bicholim. I will not contest from Bicholim,” Utpal said while speaking to reporters.
He also said that he was "considering his options" and would come to a decision soon and make it public.
The ruling party is left without a candidate in Bicholim, where it has considerable cadre and political strength, after the sitting MLA and Speaker Rajesh Patnekar decided to opt out citing health reasons.
BJP sources said, Utpal has also been asked to consider the option of contesting the Santa Cruz, which like Bicholim is another of the six seats where the party is yet to announce its candidates.
Fadnavis, meanwhile, claimed in his press conference at the party Headquarters in Delhi, that talks were on with Utpal and that they expected him to agree to the proposals.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), persisted in its efforts to wade into the Parrikar-BJP stand-off. Hours after it was clear that Utpal was denied the Panaji nomination by the BJP, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, repeated his party's offer to fight the elections on its ticket.
"Goans feel v sad that BJP has adopted use and throw policy even with Parrikar family. I have always respected Manohar Parrikar ji. Utpal ji is welcome to join and fight elections on AAP ticket," Kejriwal tweeted.
A few days ago, AAP leader Valmiki Naik, who has already been named the party candidate in Panaji had publicly offered to step aside if Utpal joins the party to contest the seat.
