BJP’s Lok Sabha candidates file nomination papers

PANJIM/MARGAO:  BJP candidates – Union Minister and incumbent North Goa MP Shripad Naik and South Goa candidate Pallavi Dempo filed their nomination papers for the May 7 Lok Sabha elections before the respective returning officers on Tuesday.

Naik filed the papers before North Goa Collector and Returning Officer Dr Sneha Gitte. Naik was accompanied by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Goa BJP President and MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Revenue Minister and Panjim MLA Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate and Poriem MLA Deviya Rane.

Speaking to reporters after filing the nomination papers, Naik said, “There is enthusiasm among the people and we are confident that we will win both the seats this time. I have completed the first round of the election campaign. The second round will be taken in a day or two.”

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, “’We are confident that BJP candidates will win both the Lok Sabha seats in the State. People from all the religions are with the BJP. 

“The public meetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are also to be held in the State, the Chief Minister said.

Expressing confidence of winning, BJP South Goa candidate Pallavi Dempo said that environment and development should go together as she filed her nomination on Tuesday before returning officer at South Goa District Collector’s office.

Admitting that there is an issue of unemployment, Pallavi said that the major issues she heard from the people during the campaigning are employment, skilling and education, besides women empowerment.

Pallavi also refused to comment, when asked by reporters,  with regard to railway double tracking, Mhadei river and other issues by only saying the stand of the party is hers.

A short public meeting was also held in the vicinity of the BJP’s South Goa office followed by marching towards the Collectorate office.

After filing the nomination papers, candidate Pallavi Dempo said “This is a proud moment to file nomination as a BJP candidate. A huge response has been received after campaigning in South Goa.”