PANJIM: Rebellion seems to have hit the ruling BJP ahead of the ensuing council elections of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP).
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, has been forced to play “bhai” to defend the situation. The new Panjim MLA Siddharat Kuncolienkar’s approach towards introducing new and young faces this election has upset party’s senior-most and loyalist ‘karykartas’. Nearly four BJP loyalists are now contesting on the Babush Monserrate panel. This includes Sagar Chari, Manoj Patil, Devendra Kundaikar and Rahul Lotlikar.
According to many party members, the ‘arrogant attitude’ of the Panjim MLA is likely to cost the BJP severely. With the spinning going out of control, Parrikar, had to camp in Goa for nearly three days- January 30, 31 and February 1, trying to settle the simmering differences between the party workers, rebels and Kuncolienkar.
“Bhai (Parrikar) was in Goa for three days to discuss and settle the internal differences ahead of CCP election. But it does not seem to have worked in the party’ favour. Kuncolienkar is overruling all the decisions of Parrikar, which has upset the followers and loyalists of Bhai,” a senior BJP worker from the city said.
“Despite Bhai assuring tickets to few, Kuncolienkar has denied them tickets. This has upset some workers who have joined the Babush panel now,” a disgruntled worker added. “If the situation continues till the general election in 2017, I fear the BJP may lose the Panjim seat,” a worker said raising serious apprehension on future of party.
Mayor Shubam Chodankar’s close aide and party worker Devendra Kundaikar is set to contest against him from Monserrate panel. Ward 24 will witness yet another rebel Manoj Chari contesting against his colleague Dipak Mahapshekar, so also ward 12 where former mayor Vaidhei Naik has been ruling for quite some-time, will face Manoj Patil.
When contacted, Vaidhei Naik confirmed about rebellion in the party saying “municipal election always witness internal conflicts.” “These are local body elections and not fought on party lines. Every individual wants the ticket and that is not possible,” she said.
However, it is learnt that Vaidhei herself is upset with the party leadership for its decision to deny her ticket.
