Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s son Utpal today clarified that his name was being discussed for the Bicholim constituency and that he has no desire to contest the same.
The first list of 34 candidates was announced today at BJP headquarters in New Delhi, but Utpal’s name went missing.
“My name is being discussed for BJP candidature from Bicholim constituency, but I have no desire to contest from Bicholim, and I will not contest from Bicholim,” said Utpal Parrikar.
He further said that he has considered his options and shall clarify very soon.
Utpal Parrikar is reportedly firm on contesting from Panaji and has refused the BJP’s offer of two other seats. “I will clear my stand soon,” he told reporters.
However, the “outreach” received a setback when Devendra Fadnavis, the former chief minister of Maharashtra and BJP’s Goa in charge of the assembly polls, said Manohar Parrikar’s son is not sufficient to earn a ticket from the BJP.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will contest from Sanquelim, while deputy CM Manohar Ajgaonka will contest from Margao. Devendra Fadnavis released the list and said talks with Utpal Parrikar are on.
“We feel he should agree,” Fadnavis said.
Manohar Parrikar, a three-time Goa Chief Minister and the BJP’s top leader in the coastal state, died in office in 2019. He held the Panaji constituency for 25 years.
Babush Monserrate, his lifelong rival, has now been assigned his constituency over his son.
