AAP should not be underestimated: Goa CM Parsekar

Panaji, May 25: Three days after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal kicked off AAP's campaign for the state Assembly polls, his Goa counterpart and BJP leader Laxmikant Parsekar on Wednesday said the party should not be underestimated.

"We should not underestimate them (AAP). But AAP should not consider that crowd of 7,000-8,000 that had gathered for their public meeting would convert into votes," Parsekar told reporters here.

"No party can grow overnight. BJP took 25 years to grow in the state (Goa) and become a strong pillar," he added.

AAP National Convenor Kejriwal had addressed a public meeting here on May 22. Assembly elections in the state are scheduled next year.

Responding to a question, Parsekar said he is very happy to see that one more political party has been added to the list of opposition in the state.

"But this does not mean that AAP should dream of winning the Goa Legislative Assembly election which is just eight months away," he added.

Parsekar said AAP will have to work at least for five years to set up their base in Goa. The Chief Minister said opposition parties become active only in run up to elections.

"This should not be the case. They (AAP) should work for five years to build confidence among people," he said. AAP has announced it will contest all 40 seats in the coastal state.

PTI