BJP again plans a different strategy for Salcete, to win 26 seats
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 10 October 2016 23:51 IST
Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is planning a different strategy for 5 out of 8 seats in minority-dominated Salcete taluka.
“We are quite comfortable in Margao, Fatorda and Cuncolim. But we need to work out a different strategy for the rest five seats in Salcete”, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said.
He today afternoon addressed his 21 MLAs along with party functionaries to work out a strategy for the forthcoming Assembly election.
Though the saffron party won 21 out of 40 seats in the last election, it could win only one Cuncolim seat in Salcete.
In fact, in spite of pro-BJP wave, it lost sitting MLA Damu Naik’s Fatorda to independent MLA Vijai Sardesai.
Knowing its weakness, the Hindutwa party had last time supported independent candidates like fisheries minister Avertano Furtado and Velim MLA Benjamin Silva, besides a secret understanding with Mickky Pacheco’s Goa Vikas Party.
Though the Salcete voter had chosen BJP as an alternative to the Congress last time, the situation has changed drastically in the last four and a half years.
While Mickky has flexed his muscles against the BJP, Aam Aadmi Party and Goa Forward have emerged as the alternatives to both the Congress as well as the BJP, in Salcete.
Parrikar however today did not spell out what strategy he is planning for Salcete.
“Besides our alliance with the MGP, we may have some small alliances as the situation arises”, he said.
Not only Salcete, but the whole coastal belt of four Old Conquest talukas is crucial to get majority for any party in the 40-member House.
These talukas have 24 seats - more than half - in Salcete (8), Mormugao (4), Tiswadi (5) and Bardez (7), with at least 20 of these seats having strong influence of minorities.
Though only one in Salcete, the BJP last time won 3 seats in Mormugao, 2 in Tiswadi and almost 6 in Bardez.
“We will win more seats than last time”, claimed Parrikar, while aiming at the target of 26 seats set by party president Amit Shah.
BJP has said that they will use weapon against Goans, if Goans comes in their way and oppose their projects. So Goans don’t be afraid, use your weapon (Vote) and send them packing in the deep sea of Goa, so that they never show their face again in Goa.