Parrikar harps on influence of money power

Panaji, Jun 5 (UNI) Former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today alleged that a huge influence of 'money power' was evident from the results of the state assembly election.

Talking to UNI, Mr Parrikar admitted that the BJP's performance was not up to expectations.

He reiterated his stand to sit in opposition as his party had not received a clear mandate from the people.

The saffron party has won 14 seats as against the tally of 16 in 2002. Mr Parrikar said his decision to form a government only if the BJP gets a clear majority since the start of the campaign had nothing to do with the party's performance.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and rebel Congressman Churchill Alemao, who resigned his South Goa Lok Sabha seat to contest the assembly elections, attributed his victory as a candidate of his newly-formed political outfit Save Goa Front (SGF) from Navelim ''as the victory of the people in his constituency''.

Talking to UNI, he refused to disclose his cards in the process of government formation.''I am keeping a close watch and will tread cautiously after consulting my voters,'' he added.

UNI