PANJIM: Two-time MLA Sidharth Kuncalienker filed his nomination from Panjim assembly constituency on Monday.
He was accompanied by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, Lok Sabha candidates Shripad Naik and Narendra Sawaikar and former chief minister (late) Manohar Parrikar’s son Utpal who accompanied him along with a slew of BJP leaders and a large crowd of supporters; in a show of strength.
Kuncalienker, whose candidature was finalised on Sunday, will be contesting to retain the seat that was represented by ex-Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar until his death on March 17, 2019.
Kuncalienker first visited Mahalaxmi Temple to seek blessings of the Goddess before filing his nomination form. BJP legislator Aliina Saldanha and BJP Goa President Vinay Tendulkar also accompanied him while filing the nomination papers.
Addressing a huge crowd outside the temple, Kuncalienker said he would continue to work towards the development of the constituency and the people. “Our Bhai (ex-CM and ex-Panjim MLA late Manohar Parrikar) served this constituency for 25 years and our Ponjikars gave me two opportunities to serve them. I will work towards the development of the capital city and also serve for the betterment of the people,” he said amidst loud applause from the people.
After filing his nomination, Kuncalienker visited the Miramar beachside where his mentor’s final rites were held, and sought his blessings.
In his first election battle in February 2015 by-poll, Kunkalienker garnered 9,989 votes by defeating Congress’ Surendra Furtado who managed to get 4,621 votes. The by-poll was necessitated as Parrikar was elevated to the Centre as Union Defence Minister in the Narendra Modi-led cabinet. In March 2017 general assembly elections, Kuncalienker secured 7924 votes in what was a close victory against then United Goans Party candidate Atanasio Monserrate who polled 6855 votes. He then sacrificed his seat to pave way for Parrikar, who was then the Defence Minister, to contest the by-poll so as to enter Goa Legislative Assembly.
The BJP Central Committee on Sunday evening finalised Kuncalienker’s candidature even as a large section of party leaders’ had favoured Parrikar’s son Utpal. While addressing the media thereafter, Utpal said that his father never wanted him to join politics but he will always be with the party.
Congress candidate Atanasio Monserrate commented on Utpal missing out and not being given the ticket while also taking the opportunity to take a dig at the BJP. “I really feel sad for Utpal. I think they (BJP) took him till the hill and just dropped him down. They have forgotten (Manohar) Parrikar’s dedication and he was the one who built the party. In one month of his demise, they have forgotten what Parrikar has done for the party. They (BJP) are standing only because of Parrikar,” he commented.
