Lok Sabha polls: BJP looking for a “Catholic Face” for South Goa

NEW DELHI: If sources in the BJP high command at its Delhi head office are to be believed, the saffron party is keen on a “Catholic face” as its South Goa candidate. While this bit of news can be debatable or may not be accepted by many BJP watchers in Goa, as it is always said that the Sangh Pariwar, its observers and senior office bearers have a say in the candidate selection process and prefer an “insider” as opposed to a rank outsider, it is quite possible that South Goa may be an exception to the rule this time.

As the BJP is very keen on bagging the South Goa seat, with it being a prestige issue for chief minister Pramod Sawant and State BJP chief Sadanand Tanawade, it is very likely that a fresh Catholic face may be chosen which could appeal to the voters in Salcete, sources said.

A good news for the Goa BJP unit is the MGP (Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party) will support the BJP candidate in the Lok Sabha polls this time in both North Goa and South Goa constituencies. The Central committee of the MGP met recently and decided to support the BJP unconditionally. In the last general polls in 2019, the MGP had thrown its weight behind the Congress candidates, helping the South Goa Congress candidate reap huge benefits in Madkai, Priol, Shiroda and other South Goa locales.