Team Herald
PANJIM: Expressing confidence of the party gaining a two-third majority, Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar maintained silence over his return to State politics.
Parrikar, a former State Chief Minister and Panjim MLA, was amongst the first voters at the polling booth. Polling began at 7 am and Parrikar cast his vote at 7.20 am after standing in queue for about five to ten minutes.
“I will not repeat what Amitji (Amit Shah) said on this issue. I am a party man, let the party decide,” Parrikar told reporters avoiding a straight answer on whether he would be next CM, if BJP is voted to power.
When it was pointed out that he had hinted that he likes Goan food better than Delhi cuisine, Parrikar responded, “I have lost four kg in Delhi, the main reason is food. I have not said anything I only said I like Goan food. You can derive any meaning out of it.”
BJP national president Amit Shah during public meetings in Goa had hinted at the possible return of Parrikar to head the State.
Parrikar said BJP expects a two-third majority. “Pollsters are saying that it would be a BJP majority. Everyone is predicting 22-25 seats, it will get better than that,” he added.
Stating that the fight has been four-cornered, Parrikar quipped, “Out of four corners, three are very weak. Except for four-five seats, the MGP-led combine does not pose any threat. This election will have 85 percent voting.”
Responding to a question about his camping in Goa for the campaign, Parrikar shot back, “Is it wrong to campaign? I will also be campaigning in Uttarakhand, UP and even civic polls of Mumbai. Goa is my home.”
To a question on the recent Election Commission of India notice to him over his statement on bribery, Parrikar said he has told the ECI that the order given to him does not have any authentication. He said the order was placed on a website and given to him when he asked for it.
