TEAM HERALD
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
PANJIM: BJP has found some supporters in Valpoi constituency, where it had a strong base until Health Minister Vishwajit Rane made inroads in this backward constituency.
One Satyavijay Naik along with 200 of his workers joined the BJP on Thursday. Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar, said the demography of Valpoi constituency has undergone a change after the delimitation.
After delimitation, Valpoi has some 45 per cent of its population drawn from Usgao, while retaining 12000-13000 persons from the old geographical areas.
When asked what made him join the BJP, Naik said he was impressed with the manner in which BJP was highlighting various issues as an Opposition. He said, he would work to get maximum votes for the party. State BJP President Laxmikant Parsekar said they will have many more people joining the party in days to come.
“Some five-six months we had recommended to the central committee that Shripad Naik be sent back to Goa,” told Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar when asked whether they want Naik in
Parrikar claimed that Shripad Naik is their leader and the party would benefit if he comes back to State politics. He however clarified that the decision is in the hands of the Central Parliamentary Board since Naik was a Member of Parliament.
“Parliamentary board will take a decision ,” said Parrikar.
Replying to a question as to who would be given a ticket in the newly delimited Canacona constituency, Parrikar said names of both BJP MLAs of Poinguinim and Canacona constituencies have been recommended to the Central election committee, with a note containing weak and strong points of both MLAs.
