Team Herald
PANJIM: In a surprising move Congress on Monday recommended the name of sitting Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik for the biennial election to the RS due on July 21. The decision comes two days after Naik was appointed as State Party Chief.
After a day-long meeting, the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) led by Chandrakant Kavalekar recommended to the high command the name of Naik. The final approval from the high command is expected on Tuesday morning, after which Naik will file his nominations at 12 pm.
Naik’s name was shortlisted just hours before the nomination process is slated to end. This is for the third time that Naik will contest the Rajya Sabha election, he was elected twice before in 2005 and 2011. His term as Rajya Sabha MP ends on July 28.
When contacted, Kavalekar said, “Names of former Law Commissioner Ramakant Khalap and former MP Ramakant Angle were also discussed. We have given our recommendation but the final decision would be of the high command.” The CLP is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday at 11 am.
The coalition parties have fielded BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar who will also be filing his nomination papers on Tuesday.
