Team Herald
PANJIM: At a time when the State’s finances are under stress, the BJP spending on birthday bashes for their leaders continues.
While last year Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar celebrated his 60th birthday with a function at Campal attended by thousands, the BJP is now leaving no stone unturned to celebrate the birthday of Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on July 5.
While Parsekar’s birthday is on July 4, it will be celebrated at Taleigao Community Centre the next day, Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza announced.
He said the State BJP has formed a 109-member committee headed by Defence Minister Parrikar to plan for the bash. D’Souza, North Goa MP Shripad Naik, BJP president Vinay Tendulkar and PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar have been named vice-presidents in the committee.
While all ministers, MLAs besides party workers and BJP state executive members are part of the committee, it is surprising is to see RSS chief Subhash Velingkar also in the committee.
Asked whether Velingkar, who is at loggerheads with the BJP over the MoI issue, has consented to his inclusion in the committee, Tendulkar said, “Politically there may be some differences but personally there is nothing. We have spoken to him on his name being included in the committee,” Tendulkar said.
On the invitees for the function, D’Souza said, “Union Minister for Road and Surface Transport (MoRST) Nitin Gadkari will be present along with BJP National Vice president Purushottam Rupala besides the Defence minister.”
Replying to a query, D’Souza, said there is no expectation of the crowd made as yet. “The place where the celebration will be held is a small place and I don’t think it can accommodate a huge crowd,” D’Souza stated.
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Differences with CM sorted out: Dy CM
It has been great working with Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Dy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza said on Thursday.
Asked to comment on his recent outbursts against the CM, D’Souza said, “There were some minor issues which have been sorted out. Overall it has been great working with the CM.”
“I only had problems with regards to transfers of officials without my knowledge which he has taken care of,” the deputy chief minister added.
When pointed out that he was opposed to Parsekar being appointed CM, D’Souza said, “I was never against his candidature, it was just that I wanted everyone should get equal opportunity and I am glad the party agreed to that.”
