PERNEM
Hitting back at those accusing him of anti-party activities at the recent ZP elections, former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar has cautioned people to be wary of those shooting from the shoulders of others.
Addressing a news conference, Parsekar did not openly name the person using others to target him but it was apparent that he was referring to Mandrem’s BJP MLA Dayanand Sopte, especially since the news conference by some local BJP leaders on Sunday had been convened at Sopte’s office.
Incidentally, Sopte had been present at the news conference on Sunday but had sat behind the media persons in his office.
"This attempt to ruin my image has proved futile. If anything, these accusations are only strengthening my power and importance. I pity the one who's behind all this," he said, in an apparent dig at Sopte.
"The Arambol and Morjim ZP candidates had both come to me 9-10 months ago to fill up the nomination forms but I don't know why lies are being spread about me. To be honest, there was no need of me to explain anything but since the news conference on Sunday, where allegations were made against me, was given so much prominence in newspapers, I had to put forth my position.”
“Before the ZP polls, BJP karyakartas were claiming that both candidates would win by huge margins, but since they can't accept the defeat they are holding others for the loss.”
“It is time for the self-styled "giant killer who won 17,000 votes" to introspect,” said Parsekar, in another dig at Sopte.
In yet another taunt at the Mandrem MLA, Parsekar said those who have entered the party two years ago need not teach him about party loyalty.
“I have been chief minister and minister once and MLA thrice. I lost the fourth time and that's known by everyone. I don't hold grudges against those who attended the news conference and made these allegations against me," said Parsekar.
