PANAJI:
Utpal
Parrikar, son of former chief minister Manohar Parrikar, on Wednesday met former Goa RSS chief Subhash
Velingkar
at his residence to seek his
blessings
and guidance for the upcoming assembly polls. During the meeting, Velingkar reiterated his support to Utpal who is contesting as an independent from Panaji constituency.
On Wednesday, after Utpal’s meeting with Velingkar, the latter’s son, Shailendra, said, “It is important that Panaji residents stand firmly with Utpal. Politics should not be centered around securing power, but should be centered around social development. Looking at the current political situation in the state, Utpal has taken a very good step and needs to be supported.”
Velingkar was Parrikar’s
mentor
, until their relationship soured over the issue of government funds to English-medium primary schools. As Parrikar refused to go back on his decision on Velingkar’s demand, the two were unable to mend their relationship.
Velingkar also parted ways with the RSS over the issue.
However, when Utpal did not bag the BJP ticket from Panaji for these polls and decided to contest as an independent, Velingkar expressed his full support. Velingkar’s son Shailendra was given the Shiv Sena ticket from Panaji, but Velingkar dissuaded his son from contesting the polls in support of Utpal and Shailendra pulled out of the fray.
Utpal said he is contesting the polls to present a clean option, as BJP has granted its ticket to Atanasio Monserrate.
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