PANAJI
Disagreeing with Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao’s comments over rampant corruption and weakened governance, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Friday said that he will soon meet with the Archbishop over the issue.
When asked if he agreed with Archbishop’s comments on rampant corruption and weakened governance, he said, “Not at all. I don’t. In fact, while I was leaving, I told the person who accompanied me that I want to meet the Archbishop sometime.”
The Archbishop, during his annual civic reception, had said that there is extensive environmental and social damage to Goa, which has generated rampant corruption and even weakened governance. The function was attended by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parskear, Governor Mridula Sinha, among others.
Commenting on BJP being accused of appeasing minority communities, Parsekar said, “BJP is banking on its performance. We are not for appeasement of any section of the society. During the last five years, we have delivered. We had six Catholic MLAs elected on our ticket. They were in constant touch with us. Some of them were in the Cabinet as well. They are the best judges for BJP, may it be the party or the government. Let them comment on BJP. Those who are not with us should not comment on us.”
Meanwhile, justifying the statement made by the Archbishop over issuing guidelines to the faithful for the upcoming elections, Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza said, “They do it during every election. Guiding means what? They just announce the principles on how the candidate selection should be done. They don’t tell which party to choose. They provide parameters on how a candidate should be selected. That is not influence. It is a social obligation.”
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Parrikar upbeat, says 58% Goans want BJP to return
THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Exuding confidence that Bharatiya Janata Party will win the upcoming State Legislative Assembly polls with two-thirds majority, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said that 58 per cent of Goans want BJP to return to power with good majority. He also said that BJP’s vote share during the 2017 election would at least cross 45 per cent.
Speaking to mediapersons at the BJP headquarters in Panaji, Parrikar said, “BJP has 20 per cent pro-incumbency. There are some small issues pertaining to few places regarding choice of candidates. But those do exist. As per our survey, at least 58 per cent people in Goa have said that the BJP government should return with good majority.”
He also informed that BJP has prepared itself to independently contest in all 40 constituencies.
“BJP has already prepared itself to independently contest election from all 40 constituencies. We have arrangements in all 40 seats, but it does not mean we have to contest all 40 on our symbol. There will be some areas where we will support some independent candidates,” he said.
When questioned on the party's alliance with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) for the upcoming Assembly polls, he replied, “I have clearly said that our door for alliance is still not closed. We will wait till the elections and our candidates are declared. That is generally the deadline.”
When asked about BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar’s statement on possibilities that three existing candidates would be denied tickets, he said, “We have started with the procedure of candidate selection. Candidates are chosen based on the suggestions by party workers and some feedback. At present, this exercise has been completed in nearly 10 constituencies. Once it is completed, the names will be announced.”
Asked about why BJP needs to induct Congressmen if it has pro-incumbency, he said, “Why is the party’s prerogative. The party decides on certain factors based on its perception on various issues. This is the party’s confidential discussion. Therefore, while pro-incumbency is there, the party may have a strategy to work out.”
