PANAJI
Refuting Opposition's claims that his party is hesitant to contest municipal elections on party lines, State BJP president Sadanand Tanavade on Thursday told reporters that the matter will be decided by the Government.
The State BJP is ready to contest the forthcoming municipal elections on party symbol if Goa government takes the decision, Tanavade said.
It may be recalled that State BJP had earlier requested the government not to hold the elections on party lines.
“We have given our party view to the government. Finally, the call has to be taken by the government, we are ready for both options”, said Tanavade.
The ruling BJP won handsomely the Zilla Panchayat elections which were held on party lines. Considering this victory it was expected that it will press for elections on party lines in the upcoming municipal elections as well.
However, the party's organisational wing headed by Tanavade unexpectedly did not approve of holding the civic polls on political party symbols and conveyed it to the government.
The Opposition criticised this decision of the party and claimed that the ruling party had acknowledged it was losing public support.
Tanavade said, BJP backed panels and candidates will contest the municipal elections and if elections are decided to be held on party basis then the party is prepared for it.
The municipal elections are likely to be held in April as the State Election Commission (SEC), citing apprehensions with regards to the possible spread of Covid cases, has announced the postponement of the elections to 11 municipal councils and the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) by three months, till April.
Not in favour of
mid-term polls,
says Tanavade
PANAJI: BJP government in Goa will complete its full term and the party is not in favour of mid-term polls in the state, said party's State president Sadanand Shet Tanavade on Thursday. He also announced the appointment of Urfan Mullah as party spokesperson.
“Full day state executive committee meeting of the party will be held on February 7 in the presence of union minister Giriraj Singh and Goa desk in-charge CT Ravi,” he informed. Tanavade also said that Singh will brief the media about the budget on Saturday. He further added that Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to visit Goa soon.
