BJP Gives In To "Family First" In Goa

The BJP today announced 34 candidates in its first list for Goa but a big name was missing - Utpal Parrikar, the son of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, a party veteran. Utpal Parrikar had publicly declared he would like to contest from his father's seat Panaji (Panjim) but the BJP picked sitting MLA Atanasio "Babush" Monserrate - a Congress alum - instead. Sources say the party has shared "multiple options" with him and has assured him of a spot in the organisation set-up even if he loses. "We have shared with him a five-year horizon for a bigger, better launch in 2027. Talks are still on and hope is not lost," the sources said.