PANJIM: Utpal Parrikar, son of former Defence Minister and Goa Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar, who celebrated his birthday with the party’s karyakartas of Panjim on Thursday, said he might take some tough decisions as he remains adamant to make his debut in politics from his father’s bastion in the upcoming assembly elections.
Accompanied by huge supporters, Utpal visited Mahalaxmi Temple to seek blessings of the Goddess. “Manohar Parrikar (father) didn’t get anything easily and in my case too, I know I have to make efforts. I may have to take some tough decisions and hence, I have come to the Temple to seek blessings the Goddess,” he said indicating he will not compromise on the ticket this time.
In 2019 when the seat fell vacant following the death of Manohar Parrikar, former Panjim MLA Sidhart Kuncalienkar was pitched in against Atanasio Monserrate (then Congress) as he had resigned from the seat to pave way for his predecessor to contest the by-election and enter the Goa Assembly.
Utpal has now openly staked claim to the former union minsiter’s legacy stating, “I told the party that I want to contest from Panjim on BJP ticket. It’s for the party to take a final call. I have full faith that the party will offer me he ticket.”
Asked if he will contest Independent or move to another party if denied ticket, he refused to comment. “I don’t want to talk about it now,” he said.
BJP has two other aspirants from the Panjim constituency—sitting MLA Monserrate and ex-MLA Kunkalienkar—even as decision will be taken by the Parliamentary Committee. The party has so far declined to give their stand on who they prefer for the upcoming general assembly polls.
On being asked that if Temple visit with the Panjim karyakartas was a show of strength, Utpal said the party workers came to wish him on his birthday. “It’s my birthday, not show of strength. The karyakartas are here to wish me,” he said.
