BJP will win over two-thirds of the seats in Goa, says Manohar Parrikar

As Goa gets ready to vote on Saturday, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday claimed his party BJP will win the Assembly elections with two-thirds majority and form the next government on its own.

“The party will win over two-thirds of the seats in Goa. We will form the next Government. People will vote for continuation of development and infrastructure projects in the State,” he told a group of reporters in Panaji.

The coastal state will vote on Saturday to elect a new 40-member Assembly. The results will be known on March 11 when counting of votes will be taken up.

The former chief minister said the voters have witnessed the “outstanding performance” of the BJP government in the state during the last five years.

“Goa has seen a tremendous growth in infrastructure during this period. Also, a slew of social welfare schemes were introduced which have reached every household,” he said.

He claimed support for BJP has been increasing and during the last few days there has been a “wave” in favour of the saffron party.

“Our systematic campaign helped us to reach each and every voter,” Parrikar said.

He claimed that the response to the public meeting addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here last week indicated a wave in favour of BJP.

There is speculation that Parrikar, who resigned as Chief Minister and moved to Delhi to head the Defence portfolio in late 2014, will be sent back to Goa if BJP is voted to power in the polls.