Manohar Parrikar's son reiterates claim for BJP ticket for Goa polls

Panaji: Former Defence Minister late Manohar Parrikar's son, Utpal, on Thursday reiterated his claim for a BJP ticket to contest his father's Assembly seat, Panaji, while also warning of tough decisions he might have to take in case the ruling party denies him the ticket.

"I have already said I have informed my party that I want to contest elections from Panaji and I am confident that my party would give me a ticket," Utpal Parrikar told reporters in Panaji.

The BJP, however, has said that the decision on fielding him from Panjim will be taken after assessing the ground reports.

Utpal also met several supporters and wellwishers at the Mahalaxmi temple in the state capital on the occasion of his birthday. When asked if he would contest the polls as an independent if he is denied a ticket, Utpal said: "I do not want to speak about this now. Manohar Parrikar did not get anything in life easily and I too will have to work hard and I may have to take some tough decisions.

I have asked the goddess for strength towards that end". "...throughout Goa there are workers who had belief in Bhai. I will source strength from them," he also said.