Manohar Parrikar steps in to counter an upbeat rival from within the Sangh Parivar’s ranks.
Just months away from elections in Goa, the BJP is experiencing performance anxiety and banking on defence minister Manohar Parrikar’s popularity to beat back a surging rival and keep power in the state. A campaign has been kicked off, but worries remain about a backlash from voters against the government continuing with grants to English-medium schools.
The BJP’s tasks are cut out: highlight the government’s development work in the state and—wary of losing traditional supporters—review the performance of its legislators. On October 9, a day before the party felicitated him in front of a 4,000-strong gathering in Porvorim for successfully conducting surgical strikes against terrorists across the Pakistan border, Parrikar conveyed he was upset with the BJP’s survey report on its position ahead of the elections. The report says the BJP would need to put in hard work in several seats. Nine of the 21 seats it won in the previous election look unfavourable this time.
The survey says several legislators and ministers lost touch with the people. The jitters could well be felt now, particularly in the BJP’s north Goa stronghold. The party might struggle in Mandre, Pernem, Mapusa, Mayem, Sakhalin and Sanguem, all high-profile constituencies. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar represents Mandre, his deputy Francis D’Souza, Mapusa. Education minister Rajendra Arlekar holds the Pernem seat and assembly speaker Anant Shet belongs to Mayem.
This story is from the December 12, 2016 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 12, 2016 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BJP's Big Paschim Test
On paper, the BJP-RLD tie-up is a winner for the NDA in west UP, though the INDIA bloc thinks otherwise. The BSP's entry with mixed candidates can unsettle both alliances
Why Gen V Matters
The Way The 210 Million-Strong Generation Viksit Bharat Casts Its Vote Will Determine The Outcome Of This Election As It Has In The Past
Heart Stopper
Cushions with tales of beauty, serenity, art and nature
THE NIPPON NARRATIVE
Say konnichiwa to good design and sayōnara to bad aesthetics, as this apartment in Bangalore is a lesson in how to use Japanese design effectively
RURAL RESPLENDENCE
This second home in a small village in Uttar Pradesh brings to life the beauty and simplicity of locally sourced materials
Curves in the Right Places
Arches may be taking over interior design, but how and where you place them in your home can make or mar the look of the room
Marvels in Mud
Here's how this humble material is changing the way we look at eco-friendly homes in India
DESIGN FOR THE AGES
Five homes, five distinct design styles that help decode how to curate age-appropriate spaces
TAKE FIVE
FROM RUGS TO CUSHIONS, THESE DECOR PIECES WILL GIVE YOUR INTERIORS AN INSTANT MAKEOVER THIS SEASON
TRENDY TABLESCAPES
At the turn of the season, three fashion labels throw a soiree that is stylish, suave and sophisticated