Panaji: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday accused its opponents of trying to create rift in the party by using the name of Utpal, son of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
BJP Goa Unit President Vinay Tendulkar told reporters that there is no differences within the party over candidature of Siddharth Kunkolienkar for upcoming Panaji Assembly constituency by-election scheduled on May 19.
“No one has projected name of Utpal Parrikar. His name was discussed and then recommended to Central Committee along with that of Kunkolienkar. It was decision of the Central Committee to give ticket to Kunkolienkar,” he said, reacting to the statements by political opponents like Congress and Goa Suraksha Manch.
GSM had claimed that Utpal was a victim of politics by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Kunkolienkar, while Congress’ Panaji Assembly candidate Atanasio Monserratte had alleged that BJP had taken Utpal to the tilt and then threw him down.
Utpal is the elder son of Parrikar, who represented Panaji Constituency till his death on March 17, 2019.
Tendulkar said that there is no difference of opinion within BJP over Kunkolienkar’s candidature and everyone is working united for his victory.
The BJP leader said that Monserratte was day-dreaming about his own victory even as the tide is against him and Kunkolienkar is getting massive support from the public.
In the recent past, Utpal had shown interest to contest in Panaji Assembly constituency but he was denied the ticket. Utpal had then said that he respects the decision of the party leaders and would continue working for the candidate in Panaji assembly segment.
