PANAJI: BJP workers have joined well-wishers and family friends in demanding that former chief minister Manohar Parrikar’s son join electoral politics and contest the Panaji byelection on a BJP ticket.Parrikar, who passed away last week after a battle with pancreatic cancer , was Panaji’s favourite son, representing the constituency as their MLA since 1994 when he was first elected. Since then, Parrikar has represented the constituency consecutively, except for a brief period when he was handpicked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the defence minister in 2014.During Parrikar’s absence from state politics, Sidharth Kuncalienker was the Panaji MLA, twice, backed wholeheartedly by Parrikar. But changing political dynamics and rival Atanasio Monseratte’s growing clout means the clamour for one of Parrikar’s son to jump into the fray becomes louder with each passing day.“BJP karyakartas want the party to give the ticket to one of Parrikar’s sons so that the Panaji seat can be retained. There is talk within the Panaji unit that the party could lose the seat. Parrikar’s son can win this seat,” said Rajesh Keluskar, a strong BJP karyakarta.On Sunday night, party workers held a meeting in Panaji where they reiterated their backing for Parrikar’s son. At least four such meetings have been held in the constituency.“Parrikar’s legacy should be carried forward in Panaji,” said Keluskar, who dismissed claims that Parrikar’s sons do not have political experience.Another party worker who did not wish to be named said should Parrikar’s son get the ticket, they would work wholeheartedly to ensure that the party tastes massive success.“Even if they don’t have the experience, they will learn once they become MLA. When Parrikar contested from here for the first time, he didn’t have any experience. Nobody knew him too,” said Keluskar, batting for the “honest and young” sons.Some party workers feel BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP, Vinay Tendulkar, BJP organizing secretary Satish Dhond and other BJP leaders should take it upon themselves to convince the son to take the political plunge.For the last few days, a stream of family well-wishers and BJP ideologues have been sending feelers to the sons through relatives and confidantes. Now, the chorus is louder and open.Nobody really knows what’s on their mind, and till one of them agree, or turn down the offer, the clamour will continue.

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