Manohar Parrikar files nomination for Panaji bypoll

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar filed his nomination for the upcoming Panaji bypoll. Parrikar who made a comeback as the Chief Minister in March is not a member of the assembly.

The bypolls in Panaji and Valpoi constituencies are scheduled to be on August 23. BJP leader Siddharth Kuncolienkar vacated the seat to make way for Parrikar to contest the elections.

The Goa Chief Minister visited the Mahalaxmi temple and a church before filing his nominations. Parrikar had been representing the assembly constituency since 1994 but resigned in 2015 to take charge as the Union Defence minister.

"My victory is confirmed. I promise to execute a comprehensive master plan in all urban areas in the state over five years and in Panaji within 365 days," Parrikar said after filing his nomination.

With smaller parties, that eventually became the BJP's allies, demanding that Parrikar be made the Chief Minister, the BJP was compelled to relieve him from the union cabinet and send him back to Goa. Parrikar is expected to sail smoothly through the byelections considering that Panaji is his bastion. Parrikar is a five time MLA from the constituency.