NT Reporter | Panaji
Utpal Parrikar, son of former chief minister Manohar Parrikar and independent candidate in the 2022 assembly elections, announced plans to field candidates in all wards of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) for the upcoming civic elections scheduled for early 2026.
Manohar Parrikar, one of the tallest leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had served as both CM and Union defence minister. Following his demise, Utpal alleged that the BJP had neglected him.
In the 2022 assembly polls, he contested from the Panaji constituency as an independent candidate, putting up a strong fight against BJP’s Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate, who is now a minister.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Utpal said that citizens of Panaji deserve better candidates and that a search was on for a team capable of offering strong alternatives.
Incidentally, Utpal had raised the issue of the surge in spas operating in the capital city, while Monserrate brushed off media queries on the matter.
Reacting to this, Utpal accused Monserrate of evading responsibility and alleged that certain projects in Panaji were being pursued for commercial interests rather than public welfare.
