PANJIM: A day after Panjim MLA Sidharth Kuncalienker resigned as MLA to pave way for Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to contest bypoll, the former defence minister said that right from day one he had only thought of contesting from Panjim.
In an informal chat with “select” journalists, Parrikar said that he has some emotional connect with the capital city and hence it was his obvious first choice.
“I want to thank Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral as he was ready to sacrifice his seat and give set a good example of discipline in the party,” Parrikar said.
Parrikar said that this move of Cabral has two conclusions – one is Panjim will get two MLAs and similarly Curchorem will also get two MLAs indirectly.
“Curchorem constituency will also be developed on the same lines as Panjim. But this does not mean others will be left behind,” he added quickly.
About his priorities for Panjim, he said, “Sidharth has started working on several projects like the AMRUT and Smart City for which already Rs 108 cr have been sanctioned. I will take the initiative forward,” Parrikar said.
When pointed out that speculations were rife about he contesting polls from other constituencies than Panjim, he said, “I had only Panjim on my mind. There were suggestion of Curchorem. But I always thought of contesting from Panjim first.”
Asked on delay in deciding on Panjim, he replied it was due to the GST bill.
“Frankly, I have not thought of any constituency other than Panjim as I have represented the constituency for so long that there is an emotional connect but there was an offer coming from Curchorem so they had to be told that as a matter of respect. I thank them for this gesture.”
