Ranjath or Advani to launch poll campaign in Goa

Panaji, Apr 23: BJP President Rajnath Singh or senior party leader L K Advani will launch the party's election campaign on May 19 for the June 2 hustings to the Goa Legislative Assembly.

''Either of them may open or close the campaign for the polls in Goa depending on the programme which is yet to be finalised even as the party campaigns on 'Save Goa from Congress misrule' plank,'' opposition leader and former chief minister Manohar Parrikar told mediapersons here today.

The party's state election committee, headed by its president and MP Shripad Naik, would meet here on April 30 to short-list the candidates for at least 32 of the 40 constituencies before sending it for approval of the party high command in Delhi.

While a broad conscensus had already been reached in case of 28 candidates, the list would be finalised on April 30. It may even contest all the 40 seats depending on the situation, he informed.

The Central Election Committee of the party would meet in Delhi for three days from May 1 to finalise the list forwarded by the state committee.

Alleging abuse of government machinery by the Congress leadership and violation of the election code of conduct, Mr Parrikar said he would soon complain to the chief electoral officer of Goa, citing specific instances and submit video clippings as proof.

The abuse of the machinery by Power Minister Digambar Kamat in Margao constituency was so blatant and rampant that he had recruited about 400 linemen on temporary basis to work for him during the elections, the fomer chief minister alleged.

As part of the abuse by the official machinery, he alleged the government had made several appointments by issuing ''back dated'' letters.

Stating that the party had not accepted the resignation of its senior leader Rupesh Mahatme, who was piqued for not getting the ticket for contesting from Margao, Mr Parrikar said his seniority and services would suitably be rewarded in due course.

''I wish he would continue to serve the party with wisdom as the party is well aware that he is senior even to most of the legislators. There is reason in being hurt when denied party ticket,'' he added.

UNI