Panaji: In run-up for February 14 elections in Goa, the nation’s gaze was firmly in Panaji, the state capital.
During 25 years (1994-2019), the constituency of remains in the control of the BJP and Manohar Parragar company.
But the death of the former main minister in 2019, seeing Congress took control through the monsoorrate association.
Even though the legislator is now the Safron Party candidate, they have reached a lump that is impossible.
The son of Parragar, Utpal, claims at stake for tickets, wanted to bring his father’s inheritance forward.
He was rejected, only for him to rebel and now the contest as independent.
Utpal’s decision to rebel and take the BJP power in a constituency where his father Mla approached 25 years has attracted national attention.
Everyone keeps their choice close to their chest.
Congress has reduced the former Elvis Gomes bureaucrat, the Minister of AUP candidate in 2017, but the constituency tended to watch a straight fight between MLA Monserrate and Utpal.
“We don’t want to side with this battle,” said a voter from Mala, where BJP has a big influence.
“We have decided who should choose, but do not want hostility with any candidate.” Monserrate is an experienced politician.
He has won three differences in constituencies – Taleigao (2002, 2007), Santa Cruz (2012) and Panaji (2019) – and remain popular with voters to “help nature”.
Utpal made his debut, while Gomes – expected to increase the party’s voice share in the election – has shifted his base from Cuncolim to Panaji.
“This is an interesting battle,” said a political observer from the city.
“While Babush (as the Monserrate known) was assisted by his strong relationship with people and had the support of the BJP organization settings, Utpal had his own kick.
He is a very educated young candidate, has a clean image and, don’t forget, Pula Parrocar’s son .
Gomes also has support because it is a former bureaucrat, non-corrupt and candidate with a clean image.
“If Utpal felt a victory on his debut, it would be the first time in more than 40 years that Panaji took his faith in independent.
Vishnu rose was the last independent candidate to win from here in 1980.
“This will be a big shame for BJP if it fails to win a seat because it is represented by their highest leader (Parragar),” said political observer.
The BJP voter in Panaji was arrested between the ideology of the Parragar and his inheritance.
“Bhai (Parragar) always teaches us that no matter what, the party is always the first, and then an individual.
We will follow the teaching in this election too,” a local from the center of Panaji, who has collaborated with the former main minister, said .
However, another loyal supporter, threw his weight behind Utpal, believing that he was the right candidate to bring the inheritance in the future.
“The Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community, which is owned by Parragar and also received their support so far, divided between Monserrate and Utpal.
There are nearly 3,700 GSB voters in Panaji and both (candidates) try hard to collect maximum support from them.
Their voices can Hold the key to run smoothly in Panaji, “said another political observer.
A member of the Catholic community in Panaji said the constituency had nearly 8,000 Christian votes and could be another major factor.
“Many of our communities have rally behind the previous Parragar, but most hesitate to choose it because it belongs to BJP.
This time it will be interesting to see who they choose,” he said.
The constituency has its own problems with unemployment in everyone’s mind.
“It’s Friday today and not a holiday.
If we are hired, we will not sit here.
We are all graduates.
We want MLA who will seriously take problems giving us a job opportunity,” said a group of youths at St Inez.
AAP has reduced Valmiki up which in 2017 surveyed nearly 2,000 votes and still had to be seen whether he could improve the calculation.
Congress can provide BJP for his reputation in Panaji but it seems divided.
Former PKC Major and Maday Madkkaikar Board member, who was in the race for Congress nominations, had openly extended support to Utpal after he was rejected by tickets.
Former PKC major and member of the Surendra Furtado council, whose fort is Miramar and Campal area, also in the race, and has been rejected, choosing to remain silent.
For most voters, silence is the best choice until they give their voices on February 14.
BJP, Son Utpal crowded to take the inheritance of the Parragar forward
