PANJIM: Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar and Mayem MLA Anant Shet were not winnable candidates, BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar said on Monday, explaining why they were not given tickets by the party. 

He said that the winning ability is more important while declaring a candidate.  

Speaking to the media, Tendulkar said, “Tickets to sitting MLAs Tawadkar and Seth were denied on the basis of recently conducted surveys by the party in both constituencies. As per that survey they both were not winnable options”. 

He added, “We are also keeping the party’s ideology in mind but the party is also looking to expand and get better results in these two constituencies. Now Pravin Zantye and Vijay Pai Khot are winnable people which the party is looking forward to.” 

He said that winnability is considered more important than ideology while fielding candidates and in the coming two days BJP will declare candidates in Nuvem, Benaulim and Navelim.

Asked why BJP is supporting an Independent in Priol, Tendulkar said, “BJP declared its support to Govind Gaude to defeat MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar. 

AAP had given him support without consulting him. After we have declared support AAP backed off.”