I will decide at right time on fighting Panaji bypoll: Utpal

NT NETWORK

 

PANAJI

Utpal Parrikar, the elder son of former chief minister the late Manohar Parrikar, on Friday said that he would decide on contesting the forthcoming Panaji bypolls at the “right time”.

“Actually I am just coming out of mourning period, so I have not given a thought over it,” he said while interacting with media persons in Panaji, while he came to extend his support to the Union Minister of State (independent charge)

for AYUSH Shripad Naik for the North Goa Parliamentary seat.

A number of supporters and followers

of Manohar Parrikar – not only from Panaji, but also from across the state – have formed a group called ‘Swabhimani Panjikar’ and are canvassing as regards the BJP candidature to  Utpal Parrikar for the Panaji bypoll.

“I have seen social media talking about my candidature, but have not yet thought about it. I will decide at the right time,” he said.

State Bharatiya Janata Party president Vinay Tendulkar said that there are at least four months before the Election Commission of India issues a notification for the Panaji bypoll, and only after the particular byelection is announced, the BJP would think over Utpal Parrikar, as the possible Panaji candidate of the party.

“The BJP needed Manohar Parrikar and his absence would always be felt,” he added.

Tendulkar said that North Goa BJP candidate for Lok Sabha Shripad Naik personally requested Utpal Parrikar to accompany him to the Mahalaxmi temple as well as during filing of his nomination papers on Friday morning.

“Manohar Parrikar used to always accompany Shripad bhau during the filing of his nomination papers, and therefore, he thought it fitting enough to invite Utpal to accompany him,” he added.