A section of bureaucracy wants concurrent polls: Vijai

NT NETWORK

MARGAO

Asserting that the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is not in favour of dissolution of the House, Goa Forward Party (GFP) chief and TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai on Friday said a section of the bureaucracy was espousing holding of by-polls to Shiroda and Mandrem Assembly seats simultaneously with the Lok Sabha election.

Speaking to reporters, Sardesai said “A section of the bureaucracy is espousing simultaneous elections – Shiroda and Mandrem by-polls and the general Lok Sabha election – and wants that the results of the by-polls should be declared before the verdict of the Lok Sabha elections to meet constitutional requirement.”

He said this has been suggested to avoid two different codes of conduct that would come into effect in the state, thereby delaying development works.  “Most of the election booths are set up at school premises and exams are also approaching.  Hence, there are logistical issues that need to be taken into consideration,” he stated.

Sardesai said the GFP is prepared in case the chief minister decides to dissolve the House.  “The Chief Minister Parrikar has clearly told us that the House would not be dissolved. It appears that this (dissolution of the House) is a rumour being spread by the Congress,” he said.

“We fought against the BJP and the Congress in the Assembly election and people voted for us.  We are prepared for elections,” he maintained.  He said that he is not threatening other alliance partner of the government by announcing his ‘Plan B’ which, according to him, is in place to maintain stability of the government

Sardesai further said if the NDA asks the GFP about the regional aspiration, he would place before the prime minster the demand for the special status.  “Certain laws or schemes have to be formulated by which Goans feel that they are treated in a special way. Opinion poll is the only referendum in the modern history,” he stated.

Meanwhile, he informed that the passport office in Margao will be opened on February 14 and it will be a boon for the people of South Goa.