BBSM shortlists 13 candidates for Goa polls

Panaji, Sep 26: The Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) has shortlisted 13 candidates for the Goa Assembly polls due next year, but has not revealed the names while awaiting response to a proposal for alliance with MGP.

The BBSM, led by rebel RSS leader Subhash Velingkar, has set a deadline of September 30 for the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) to respond to their proposal for a tie up, while the manch will announce its political plans on October 2.

"The manch in its meeting yesterday shortlisted 13 candidates for the forthcoming Goa Assembly elections," a senior BBSM official said today.

BBSM intends to contest in 16 out of 40 constituencies and rest three names would be finalised before the poll campaign, he said.

The manch, which was formed on the issue of regional language being Medium of Instruction (MOI), has also decided to voice its stance against casinos, corruption and others during the elections.

It has already offered an official proposal to MGP, which is currently in alliance with BJP, to join hands for the Goa polls.

MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar had earlier ruled out the possibility of aligning with BBSM, stating that the manch should not venture into politics.

BBSM, however, is waiting till the deadline of September 30 given to MGP on the possibility of an alliance.

The manch officials said during the meeting held yesterday there was a detailed discussion on poll strategy and formation of the party.

Velingkar had taken on the BJP government in Goa over its support for English-medium schools and was "relieved" from his post as Rss Goa unit chief on August 31, after the BBSM had hinted at its intent to float a political party to counter BJP in the 2017 Assembly polls.

PTI