Team Herald
PANJIM: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is optimistic to increase the party-led coalition’s tally to 26 seats claiming it would win all four seats in by-polls while two Opposition MLAs would also extend their support to the government in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
“We have presently 20 seats including our alliance and Independents. This number will increase to 24 on the day of the result on May 23 because we are certain to win all the four seats in the by-polls. Moreover, two MLAs (Opposition) will support us in the House,” BJP State president Vinay Tendulkar said at a press conference on Sunday.
The party also claimed that Congress candidate Atanasio Monserrate will bite the dust in the upcoming by-election as Panjim voters have complete dislike for Congress and its candidate.
The BJP also accused its opponents of trying to create a rift within the party by using the name of Utpal, son of former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar.
Tendulkar asserted there are no differences within the party over the candidature of Sidharth Kuncalienker for the by-election scheduled on May 19.
“No one has projected name of Utpal Parrikar. His name was discussed and then recommended to Central Committee along with that of Sidharth. It was decision of the Central Committee to give ticket to Sidharth,” he said reacting to the statements by Congress and Goa Suraksha Manch sympathising with Utpal over being denied the party ticket for the upcoming by-poll.
GSM had claimed that Utpal was a victim of politics by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Kuncalienker while Congress candidate Atanasio Monserrate had alleged that BJP had taken Utpal to the tilt and then threw him down.
“Everyone is working united for Sidharth’s victory and he is getting good response from the people,” Tendulkar said as he also took a dig at Monserrate for “day-dreaming about his own victory” even as the tide is against him.
He accused Congress president Girish Chodankar of day dreaming BJP’s downfall and formation of the government by the Congress after the May 23 result. The BJP chief said that Chodankar has been speaking about “Urrack and “Feni” as he has been visiting villages in Sattari and Pernem where these drinks are made.
Tendulkar also reminded Girish about his statement he had made once earlier that he would quit Congress if Monserrate joins his party. “Will he do it now?” wondered Tendulkar.
