Panjim: Once again the BJP has snubbed its former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar and replaced the party’s Mandem Mandal chief.

The BJP State Unit president Vinay Tendulkar on Tuesday appointed Madhu Parab elected as the BJP Mandal in Madrem.

The new mandal chief took charge in the presence of former Mandrem MLA Dayanand Sopte, who resigned last year to join the BJP.

Speaking to reporters Tendulkar said the change was necessary keeping in view the forthcoming by polls. Asked about Parsekar, he replied, the party is hopeful he will support whoever is the candidate.

“Sopte will be our candidate but it has to be announced by central committee. I can’t say. We have to see he has given up his seat and come to us. We have to think about that,” Tendulkar said. However, he said till date Parsekar was with the party. “He was present for the Amit Shah rally and I am hopeful he will continue to support the candidate,” he said. Interestingly, the naming of new Mandrem mandal chief comes close on heels of the former mandal saying they were not with Sopte and continued to support Parsekar.

“Some karyakartas are hurt and I will take them in confidence. We will name the full block committee soon,” he said.