RSS-backed BBSM to float a party in Goa, to contest polls

Panaji, Aug 30: In a significant development, RSS-backed Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch today said that it will float a political party to contest the Goa Legislative Assembly elections next year and field candidates on 35 seats of the 40.

"The political front which BBSM would be floating will go it alone in the poll. We can join hands with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) if they withdraw support to BJP," RSS Goa chief Subhash Velingkar told reporters here.

BBSM has been demanding that regional languages (Konkani and Marathi) be made the Medium of Instruction in Goa's elementary schools, and Government should stop the grants of English medium schools.

"BBSM will also hold talks with other regional parties which support withdrawal of grants given to English medium schools," BBSM political cell incharge Uday Bhembre said.

Bhembre said as of now 35 out of the 40 Assembly constituencies in Goa have been shortlisted where BBSM has a stronghold and has a candidate. In the remaining five constituencies -- Nuvem, Benaulim, Cuncolim, Quepem and Velim -- the ground work is on, he said.

Bhembre said that MGP should sever the ties with the ruling BJP by September 30 and join hands with BBSM.

To a question, Velingkar said RSS has always been with BBSM in its fight to protect regional languages.

"RSS, during its all-India meeting in March last year had resolved to protect the mother-tongue and promote education in the mother-tongue," he said.

PTI