THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
He may have turned 80 on Tuesday, but industrialist and philantrophist Narayan (Nana) Bandekar has been a political kingmaker having supported and even formed a number of politicians over the past several decades.
Such has been Bandekar’s influence that AAP National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had even met him recently at his house for discussions on politics in the State.
Sending out a strong message on Tuesday, Bandekar said he would not support the BJP in Mormugao Taluka and said it was time for a change in the government.
Speaking on the occasion of his 80th birthday celebration, Bandekar said he had financed many political leaders from across the State on several occasions.
"While I was active in politics, at the request of the then CM Late Manohar Parrikar, I did everything including financing of many leaders and got the BJP into power. However, in due course of time, I realised that politicians don't always value and honour their words and I am a man of word and principles,” said Bandekar.
The industrialist said Vasco BJP MLA Carlos Almeida in 2017 had coaxed him to inaugurate his campaign office.
“I offered him support and he got elected. However, it has been 10 years and we have not seen any changes in Vasco and Almeida was not even made a minster. I will not support the BJP this time round and anyone who has plans to join the BJP must understand and read through the lines from my message," said Bandekar.
"This time round, I feel we need a change and we cannot allow the same people to dictate terms to the people or any party for ten long years. I will pay close attention to all candidates fielded by all parties contesting and after weighing all options, I will extend my support to one candidate who I feel has the ability to bring about a change and qualified enough to be a leader with a vision for Vasco," said Bandekar.
Bandekar recalled that all political parties like BJP, Congress, TMC and AAP had expressed a wish that he should contest from Vasco.
"I am already 80 and and in any case, carry out my contributions to society in a big way. I can meet and greet anyone freely and in such a case, why should I join a party and be bound at this age? I don't fit in the political arena because I don't know how to indulge in taking money and though I am sure I can win the election, I don't want to contest because I don't fit in politics," said Bandekar.
He may have turned 80 on Tuesday, but industrialist and philantrophist Narayan (Nana) Bandekar has been a political kingmaker having supported and even formed a number of politicians over the past several decades.
Such has been Bandekar’s influence that AAP National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had even met him recently at his house for discussions on politics in the State.
Sending out a strong message on Tuesday, Bandekar said he would not support the BJP in Mormugao Taluka and said it was time for a change in the government.
Speaking on the occasion of his 80th birthday celebration, Bandekar said he had financed many political leaders from across the State on several occasions.
"While I was active in politics, at the request of the then CM Late Manohar Parrikar, I did everything including financing of many leaders and got the BJP into power. However, in due course of time, I realised that politicians don't always value and honour their words and I am a man of word and principles,” said Bandekar.
The industrialist said Vasco BJP MLA Carlos Almeida in 2017 had coaxed him to inaugurate his campaign office.
“I offered him support and he got elected. However, it has been 10 years and we have not seen any changes in Vasco and Almeida was not even made a minster. I will not support the BJP this time round and anyone who has plans to join the BJP must understand and read through the lines from my message," said Bandekar.
"This time round, I feel we need a change and we cannot allow the same people to dictate terms to the people or any party for ten long years. I will pay close attention to all candidates fielded by all parties contesting and after weighing all options, I will extend my support to one candidate who I feel has the ability to bring about a change and qualified enough to be a leader with a vision for Vasco," said Bandekar.
Bandekar recalled that all political parties like BJP, Congress, TMC and AAP had expressed a wish that he should contest from Vasco.
"I am already 80 and and in any case, carry out my contributions to society in a big way. I can meet and greet anyone freely and in such a case, why should I join a party and be bound at this age? I don't fit in the political arena because I don't know how to indulge in taking money and though I am sure I can win the election, I don't want to contest because I don't fit in politics," said Bandekar.
