VASCO
Insisting he is the main aspirant to the BJP’s ticket for Vasco constituency if the party were not to consider sitting MLA Carlos Almeida, Vasco BJP Mandal President Deepak Naik on Tuesday made it clear that the party should not invite outsiders to contest from Vasco constituency.
Naik cautioned that inviting one unwanted leader could compel hundreds of people, including elected councillors and other leaders, to move away from the party.
Hinting at former MPDA Chairman Krishna (Daji) Salkar, who has been seen with BJP leaders in recent times and is reportedly one of the aspirants to the BJP ticket, Naik said the party must consider his candidature in Vasco as he had been a loyal BJP Karyakarta for over 21 years.
“In addition, I have been the BJP block president for over 15 years, besides holding other important posts in the party,” said Naik while speaking to reporters on Tuesday.
“I have already proposed my candidature from the Vasco BJP Mandal to the parliamentary committee for a ticket from Vasco and I want to make it clear to the party that I am also in the race for the BJP ticjet from Vasco.”
"People must not fall prey to outsiders making fake propaganda of having secured the party ticket. BJP is the only party which can win in Vasco and we have a strong base of Karyakartas.”
"We elected councillors and the Vasco BJP Mandal can say for sure that we will not be with the party if they bring in an outsider when strong leaders and winnable candidates are already present in the party.”
Naik said he would first propose the name of sitting MLA Carlos Almeida.
“But in case the party does not want Alemida, I am definitely the next choice of the party ticket, being the block president, and I can definitely win and get the BJP elected from Vasco.”
“If I have stood selflessly by Almeida since the last 10 years, I am sure that he will stand with me this time for the benefit of the party. I am willing to support anyone identified by the party provided they don't bring in outsiders,” Naik added.
