Team Herald
PANJIM: BJP National leader BL Santhosh, who is Goa to review the political situation, failed to convince former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar not to revolt against the party.
Santhosh, in charge of the party’s Goa Desk, chaired a meeting which was attended by various leaders.
Amidst statements that Parsekar would contest even if BJP denies him a ticket, Santhosh met the former chief minister and tried to convince him but his efforts went in vain.
Speaking to Herald, Parsekar said he has already made up his mind and nobody can dissuade him. “He asked me not to move away from the party and I told him the party leaders are pushing me away,” Parsekar stated.
The former CM said he was awaiting a final reply from the party. “The leaders who come here would speak just one thing and I was prepared for the answer. I have already made up my mind. In fact, the party cadre from Mandrem has made up its mind,” he said.
Parsekar also visited GMC, to see ailing Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, before meeting Santhosh. “I could not meet him but just said hello to him from the door as there are chances of infection,” he said.
While Santhosh refused to talk to the media, party leaders attending the meeting claimed there was no discussion held on the health condition of Parrikar or leadership change during the meeting.
Union AYUSH Minister and North Goa MP Shripad Naik said that discussions centred around implementation of programmes listed out by the party and the forthcoming elections. “Our leaders took stock of the preparations to implement these programmes,” he said, adding that BJP will reach out to every household.
Responding to a question, he said there was no discussion on the health of the Chief Minister. “He is recovering and we wish him speedy recovery,” Naik said.
Asked about any discussions on politics, he said, “No, but the central leaders are being updated on day-to-day basis on political situations.”
BJP Goa unit president Vinay Tendulkar said the party is gearing up to face the Lok Sabha election. He too ruled out any discussion around health condition of CM or leadership change taking place. “CM is recovering. He will be kept
under observation for 48 hours before he is discharged,” Tendulkar said.
Asked whether the meeting was to discuss the CM’s health, he replied in the negative. “This was a regular pre-planned meeting and nothing to do with CM’s health or any political situation.”
Responding to a question whether their former Shiroda MLA Mahadev Naik’s entry into Congress will have an impact on the party’s political prospect in that constituency, Tendulkar said, “There won’t be any impact as our workers are intact,” he said.
