PONDA: The BJP on Sunday declared its support to Govind Gaude, who is in the fray as Independent candidate in Priol against MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar. 

Considering that the Congress party has not yet declared its candidate for Priol constituency, it too is likely to support Gaude, who the BJP and Congress want to defeat Deepak. 

On his part, Gaude said he would welcome the Congress support.

Addressing the media, BJP President Vinay Tendulkar pledged to support Gaude. The press briefing was attended by former BJP MLA from Priol Adv Vishwas Satarkar, Priol Block President Shivaji Gavde and office bearers. 

On the occasion, Gaude told the press that there has been no development in the constituency since last few years and that Deepak failed to provide jobs to locals.

Tendulkar said that to prevent split of votes and to defeat Deepak, the BJP has taken the decision to support Gaude instead of fielding tis own candidate. 

The campaign meetings of Gaude would be addressed by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Sripad Naik, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and former Speaker Adv Vishwas Satarkar, Tendulkar said.