Goa Election 2022: Manohar Parrikar's son Utpal resigns from BJP, to contest independently

Utpal Parrikar, the son of the three-time Goa Chief Minister and Union minister Manohar Parikar, on Friday, announced his resignation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This action comes after the party denied him the ticket from the Panaji seat, for which he has been trying for the longest time in the upcoming Assembly election in Goa. 

While announcing the resignation, Parrikar said, he would contest the election as an independent candidate. He said the time has come to stand for his values and the people of Panaji to decide his political fate. 

Manohar Parrikar, the stalwart of BJP, held the Panaji constituency for 25 years before his death in 2019. However, the party decided to go ahead with the MLA Atanasio 'Babush' Monserrate, the lifelong rival of Manohar Parrikar, over his son.  

Also Read: Goa Election 2022: After AAP, Shiv Sena offers support to Utpal Parrikar but with a condition

Utpal Parrikar, while talking to reporters, said I tried my level best to explain to the party, not only do I enjoy the party members support, but also the people of Panaji support me. Despite the explanation, he failed to get the candidature of the Panaji constituency. 

He said the party chose to give the ticket to someone who has opportunistically joined in the last two years. As a result, I wish to go ahead and let the people of Panaji decide my political fate. 

Also Read: Goa Election 2022: Sena's Sanjay Raut urges non-BJP parties to support Manohar Parrikar's son Utpal in polls

Utpal Parrikar, back in 2019, voiced to contest the by-elections from Panaji seat post his father death. However, the BJP wanted him to back Sidharth Kuncolienkar, a Parrikar loyalist. 

Parrikar further added Manohar Parrikar represented the Panaji constituency for more than a decade. He enjoyed the love and affection of the Panaji people; even I have developed the same. People elected him as he stood for something. It's time for me now to stand for my values. 

Goa assembly election is slated to be held on February 14, and the counting will take place on March 10.

• Assembly election 2022
• BJP
• Manohar Parrikar
• Panaji
• Utpal Parrikar