Porvorim:Deputy Chief Minister and Goa Forward Party (GFP) chief Vijai Sardesai on Wednesday vehemently supported Joshua, son of former BJP MLA late Francis D’Souza for the saffron party ticket in Mapusa by-election.
Whether on the floor of the House or outside the House, Sardesai extended his full support to Joshua’s candidature and even said that he has expressed his views with the coalition partner BJP.
Sardesai while speaking on the floor of the House during passage of condolence message to Former CM Manohar Parrikar, Ex Deputy CM Francis D’Souza and Ex Deputy Speaker Vishnu Wagh, made an indirect mention about Joshua.
“Francis legacy should be carried forward by his family and we are here to support his family for that,” Sardesai said while paying tribute to D’Souza on the floor of the House.
Sardesai continued his tempo even outside the Assembly when he told media persons that he has already expressed his sentiments to the BJP that Joshua should be given a ticket.
“I am in favour of Joshua representing Mapusa and following the footsteps of his father. I have even expressed my view to BJP. Francis legacy has to be carried forward by his son and we are supporting him in that,” Deputy Chief Minister said.
He said that the way BJP legislators have praised Francis on the floor of the House and his contribution towards the party, Mapusa constituency and State, shows what kind of leader he was. “Now the rest can be done by his son,” Sardesai stated.
Joshua was present in the State Assembly when the condolence motion was passed.
Outside the Assembly complex, Joshua said that he is confident that BJP would filed him from Mapusa for the by-polls.
He further said that if party denies ticket to him then he is open for taking other decision. “The voters, who have supported my father for last 20 years, they will decide. I will have meeting with them and decide,” Joshua added.
Joshua said that he has made claim for only BJP ticket so far and no other party has approached him.
Mapusa seat has fallen vacant with demise of Francis D’Souza, who passed away on February 14.
