PANAJI
A visit to the constituency revealed that most Panjimites preferred to remain mum on the candidate of their choice, while some had to explain their individual theories.
Since 1994, Panaji has been BJP's bastion with Panjimites electing the then chief minister and now Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to power. Even after he was elevated as the Defence Minister, BJP managed to retain the prestigious constituency of Panaji by electing Sidharth Kuncalienker as the MLA.
"Panaji is the most prestigious constituency for BJP as it was represented by Parrikar, one of the core and senior members of the party. He will leave no stone unturned to get Sidharth elected once again as the MLA. Now too, he has personally contacted several Panjimites", said 50-year-old Panaji resident.
A prominent businessman in Panaji however was of the opinion that Parrikar had his own strengths and connect with people, while his successor Sidharth has failed as far as connect with people is concerned.
"Parrikar has his own charisma and when he approaches people, people cannot say 'no' to him. Sidharth on the other hand has not been able to connect with people in the same manner, may be because two years is too short a time," he said.
Another factor people feel could play in Panaji constituency is the Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community voters, which they feel could benefit Babush. Kuncalienker of Bharatiya Janata Party, Valmiki Naik of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Ketan Bhatikar of Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) belong to the GSB community, which is said to be very influential as far as Panaji constituency is concerned.
"There are three Saraswat candidates in fray for Panaji. So definitely depending on each candidates’ influence, they will be divided. And definitely Parrikar being associated with Panaji for the longest, Sidharth should benefit the most from it," said a Mala resident.
People however feel that Babush will be able to secure traditional Congress votes in addition to those his 17 CCP councillors get for him.
“His 17 councillors will try to garner votes for Babush in their respective wards. As he is ruling the CCP, he will definitely make his mark," he said.
Explaining further, he said, “Also, during the Panaji by-poll when Sidharth contested, Babush has supported BJP and the RSS too was with BJP. So this time Sidharth will have a tough time as both have stood against him.”
A section of people were also of the opinion that they had decided to support BJP only because of Parrikar.
“Panjimites have still not been able to digest the fact that Sidharth is their MLA as for every small issue ‘bhaie’ comes to their rescue. It is only because of ‘bhaie’ that people will vote for BJP in Panaji," said a Parrikar-follower.
A resident of Deulwaddo near Mahalaxmi Temple, which is said to be BJP’s bastion, said, “A lot depends on the RSS votes as well as GSB votes. It may even happen that GSB community members which are associated with the Sangh may rally behind Sidharth if Parrikar tries his best, while the non-GSBs would rally behind Velingkar and support Ketan Bhatikar. But, this election would certainly not be a cakewalk for Sidharth. Even if he wins, his margin will reduce.”
