PANJIM: In what could be termed as a major boost to the party in Salcete, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has roped in former Margao Municipal Council chairperson Arthur D’Silva into the party fold.
Addressing the media, State Unit President Vinay Tendulkar said D’Silva’s entry is a major boost to the party. “In the next 10 days around 1500 people will join the party from Margao, Curtorim and Fatorda constituencies,” he said.
D’Silva said he was convinced with the ideologies and principles of the party and moreover the administration of Manohar Parrikar.
Asked whether there was pressure from the BJP to join following his questioning by Crime Branch in the Louis Berger case, he said, “No, not at all. The court has given me a clean chit on the issue so the question does not arise.”
Clarifying on the issue, D’Silva said he had just picked up the RTI from the PWD office on Digamabar Kamat’s request and nothing else.
Asked whether he has demanded a ticket from Salcete in the forthcoming Assembly polls, D’Silva said, “Well it is for the party to decide, I have no demands. They can see my work and then finalise.”
Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza, who was present at the press briefing, said D’Silva’s entry is a big bonus to the party. “He is a big asset for us in Salcete,” he added.
