TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: Embarassed by North Goa MP Shripad Naik’s distancing himself from the party election mobilisation, BJP has finally decided to allow him to contest assembly election. “Shirpad Naik’s name has been included in the final list,” informed a party insider.

BJP’s central election committee is meeting on Sunday, and the final list is likely to be announced either Sunday evening or Monday morning. BJP national president who is coming to Goa on Saturday night will vet the list

North Goa MP isolated himself from the party after it was made clear to him that he would not be given a ticket to contest from Porvorim constituency.

He also absented himself from just concluded 15 day Janasampark Abhiyan (JA) though he was present for the inaugural function.

Party sources felt that it would go against the party if Shripad Naik kept away from campaigning.

Earlier North Goa MP had declared that he would not take part in the campaigning until he was given an explanation by the party why he was denied a ticket.

Also, supporters and well wishers of Shripad Naik are learnt to have played a crucial role in making the party change its decision. “Message was sent to the party bosses that leaving Shripad Naik out would go against the party,” disclosed a BJP insider, which is why BJP State unit decided to press for Shripad’s inclusion.

When contacted State President Laxmikant Parsekar, said they have done their best to press the case of Shripad Naik, when asked if Shripad Naik’s name figures in the list.

Naik however said he was not aware of the happenings in the party as he was out of the State for the last few days.