With every passing second, the support seems to be swelling for Utpal but despite this defeating Babush at this juncture seems to be a distant dream.
Babush’ strength is that his panel rules the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) where in his son Rohit Monseratte is the Mayor.
Babush has been in politics since 2000 and has a knack of winning elections from Taleigao to St Cruz to Panaji, he has won everywhere. He did lose in Panaji once to Manohar Parrikar but he came back strongly in 2019.
But he knows he cannot take Utpal lightly now. Besides the Manohar Parrikar loyalist a upper caste community, which has sizeable votes in Panaji, has been standing strong with Utpal.
SURAJ NANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
Babush Monseratte , the undisputed kind of Tiswadi has suddenly found himself in a spot of bother after late Manohar Parrikar’s son Utpal Parrikar had revolted against the party and decided to contest independent.
Though still a firm favourite to win the Panaji derby, Babush is in spot of bother as many BJP core karyakartaon like Dattaprasad Naik and other have extended their support to Monseratte.
Utpal, who was denied ticket by the BJP, has suddenly garnered huge support from the Parrikar loyalist and so also the friends turned foes of Babush Monseratte.
With every passing second, the support seems to be swelling for Utpal but despite this defeating Babush at this juncture seems to be a distant dream.
Babush’ strength is that his panel rules the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) where in his son Rohit Monseratte is the Mayor.
Babush has been in politics since 2000 and has a knack of winning elections from Taleigao to St Cruz to Panaji, he has won everywhere. He did lose in Panaji once to Manohar Parrikar but he came back strongly in 2019.
But he knows he cannot take Utpal lightly now. Besides the Manohar Parrikar loyalist a upper caste community, which has sizeable votes in Panaji, has been standing strong with Utpal.
Another factor is that the minority. community in Panaji is upset with Monseratte for his failure on assurances made in 2019. During by-polls, Babush had assured to remove the off-shore casinos in 100 days from River Mandovi, which he failed to do.
Besides, Babush himself has agreed he has failed to provide employment for youth in Panaji despite being in the ruling dispensation.
Above all, the polls in Panaji would be fought on whether the constituency needs a clean, educated and honest person or a “tainted” person with criminal background.
Utpal’s contention of fighting polls is that he is ready to withdraw his candidature if BJP gives a clean face.
“How can BJP even think of nominating a person with criminal background in the Panaji seat represented by my baba?” Asked Utpal.
“It’s not about me and myself or my father. It’s about ethics, principles and am ready to withdraw and support any good candidate BJP gives in Panaji,” Utpal has said which has received a great support.
Another factor is family raj, Babush and his wife have got BJP ticket and have been MLAs while their son is a mayor of CCP which is against BJPs principles.
Also, Utpal has got a shot on the arm with former Mayor Uday Madkaikar’s support as he has a great support in areas of Bhatulem and other areas of Panaji.
Not just Madkaikar, Utpal is garnering support from all power GSB community, who stood by his father during his days as Panaji MLA.
Utpal’s only headache would be how to get the votes in migrant dominated areas of St Inez and parts of Caranzalem, which are the strongholds of Babush Monseratte.
So overall Panaji would be a great contest to watch out for.
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