PANJIM: With BJP finally announcing its candidate for the Panjim by-poll, Congress candidate Atanasio Monserrate said he takes every opponent seriously.
“I take every opponent seriously, whether he belongs to BJP, AAP, GSM or even Independent,” he said on Sunday.
On the approaching by-poll and BJP’s choice to field Sidharth Kuncalienker against the others, Monserrate said it is for the people to decide. “Let the people decide. I will go by my manifesto and vision I have for Panjim. Mine will be inclusive development. I don’t believe in “I” factor,” he commented.
Earlier in the day, the Congress issued a press statement to take a dig at the BJP for delay in deciding its candidate.
“The constant delay and deadlines set by BJP to decide its candidate for Panjim by-poll clearly indicates that the sympathy of Manohar Parrikar, which they were claiming to exist, was just a hype,” party president Girish Chodankar said.
He claimed that a survey by the party office bearers for the Panjim by-election revealed that there is no acceptance for the party in the constituency after former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar miserably failed to deliver over last 25 years.
“The illusion of Parrikar sympathy that was being tried to be created also has no buyers as people want the leader who can deliver for the constituency which has been lacking in basic amenities,” he added.
“BJP tried to test the waters by first introducing Utpal Parrikar as their possible candidate but failed to get the response, due to which they have now deciding between their former corrupt MLA Sidharth Kuncalienker and Utpal. The way things are in Panjim and the mood of the people BJP candidate may finish third in this election with GSM outshining them in this election,” he added.
