PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited Delhi on Friday evening to discuss likely candidates for the Lok Sabha polls with the party high command. The Parliamentary Committee is expected to announce the names in mid-February.
For North Goa, sitting MP Shripad Naik -- also holding the Union Minister of State charge -- is the sole candidate whereas South Goa has four shortlisted names -- Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, ex-MP Narendra Sawaikar, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, and former minister Babu Kavlekar.
When questioned, Sawant only stated that his Delhi visit was in connection with the Lok Sabha elections but refrained from providing further details about the meeting.
Sources revealed that the party high command hasn't signaled a change for the North Goa candidate. However, for South Goa, more options were sought to field a strong candidate against the Congress.
"These names are proposed after an initial discussion with the Central leaders. The final names will be announced soon. The meeting also revolved around strategy for the polls," the source revealed adding that the meeting of the CM with party seniors lasted for about an hour.
