Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Minister Atanasio “Babush” Monserrate has welcomed the possibility of Utpal Parrikar returning to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying he believes Utpal should never have left the party in the first place.
Reacting to the possible move, Monserrate said the party’s decision should be respected and that Utpal’s return would be a welcome development. He emphasised that he had no objection to whatever decision the BJP leadership takes on the matter.
“Whatever decision the party takes, it is a welcome move. It is better late than never,” Monserrate said.
He recalled his association with Utpal’s father, former Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who brought him into the BJP after he had been associated with another political party. Monserrate said that although differences had emerged between them at a later stage, those issues were separate from Utpal’s political future.
According to Monserrate, Manohar Parrikar played a significant role in building the BJP in Goa, and Utpal should have continued to remain associated with the party his father helped establish.
He added that he had previously expressed the view that Utpal should return to the BJP, describing it as the political party to which he belongs.
Monserrate clarified that he was not the person who needed to formally welcome Utpal back, nor did the party require his permission to make such a decision.
“I am not the one who has to welcome him, nor does the party require my permission,” he said, reiterating that the final decision rested with the party leadership.
Responding to questions from reporters about the possibility of Utpal’s return, Monserrate repeatedly maintained that the BJP should be allowed to make its own decision. He said he would respond further once the party had taken a call on the matter.
“I am with the party. I want everyone to come together, including those who have left the party, perhaps because of my presence or whatever reason,” he said.
Monserrate stressed that personal differences should not prevent former party members from rejoining the BJP. He said those who had contributed to building the organisation should not allow the entry or exit of individual leaders to become an obstacle to their political association with the party.
He also stated that he had not received any specific communication regarding the matter but welcomed the possibility of Utpal returning.
“Nobody told me anything specifically, but I welcome it. There is no issue with it,” Monserrate said.
