Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal invited former Goa CM Manohar Parrikar’s son Utpal Parrikar to join Aam Aadmi Party, ahead of the Goa polls. CM Kejriwal made the announcement via his Twitter account minutes after BJP denied a ticket to Utpal Parrikar.
“Goans feel v sad that BJP has adopted use and throw policy even with Parrikar family. I have always respected Manohar Parrikar ji. Utpal ji is welcome to join and fight elections on AAP ticket.”
The Delhi Chief Minister, who is hoping to make a mark in the coastal state with the elections, accused the BJP of having “adopted use and throw policy even with the Parrikar family”.
The Panjim constituency has been assigned to controversial MLA Atanasio “Babush” Monserrate. He was accused of raping a teenager in 2016. Manohar Parrikar, who died in March 2019, had represented Panjim for over two decades.
Talking to reporters in Goa today, Utpal Parrikar said, “I will clear my stand soon.”
Shiv Sena has also expressed their willingness to offer a poll ticket to Manohar Parrikar’s son Utpal Parrikar.
“If Utpal Parrikar contests Independent from Panaji seat, I propose all non-BJP parties including Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, Trinamool Congress and Goa Forward Party should support his candidature and not field a candidate against him. This will be a true tribute to Manohar Bhai!” Sena MP Sanjay Raut had tweeted.
Now the spotlight is on Utpal Parrikar as he has to decide if he will choose a different political party or not.
Elections to Goa’s 40-member state Assembly will be held on February 14 and votes will be counted on March 10.
