Former Goa Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar son Utpal Parrikar has adopted a rebellious attitude. He has announced to contest as an independent candidate after not getting ticket from BJP. He has raised questions on the BJP candidate. Utpal Parrikar said, the time has come for me to stand by my father’s values. I tried my best to convince the BJP that I have the support of the workers, but here the ticket has been given to an opportunistic candidate. Now I will contest as an independent candidate. Manohar Parrikar’s son has also announced to leave BJP with this. Utpal Parrikar has decided to field as an independent candidate from Panaji seat.
It is worth noting that BJP did not make Utpal a candidate in its Goa list. Aam Aadmi Party had also offered to give ticket to Utpal from his party and take back the incumbent candidate, however Utpal has decided to show his strength by entering the fray without any party’s support.
Two days ago, the BJP had released the first list of candidates for the Goa Assembly elections. BJP denied ticket to Utpal Parrikar, son of former Goa CM Manohar Parrikar. BJP government minister in Goa Vishwajit Rane had said that “Just because you are someone’s son, BJP will not support anyone. Goa Health Minister Rane acknowledged that Manohar Parrikar was the tallest leader of the ruling BJP in Goa, but declared that his son Utpal should work with the BJP, learn and move forward. Carrying forward the political legacy does not mean that tickets will be given.”
Utpal Parrikar’s name is not there. Utpal was demanding ticket from Panaji assembly seat. BJP has played bet on Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had offered him to contest the elections on an Aam Aadmi Party ticket. Offering Utpal, Kejriwal wrote in a tweet, “It hurts the people of Goa that the BJP has adopted the policy of use and throw even with the Parrikar family. I have always respected Manohar Parrikar ji. Welcome Utpal ji to join and contest the election on ticket.”
