Lok Sabha polls would be turning point in Goa politics: Manohar Parrikar

PANAJI: The Lok Sabha polls for two Goa seats would be a turning point for state's politics as the Congress, which ruled the state for over 20 years, would be defeated, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said today.

The electorate will stamp the change in state's political arena during the April 12 election, Parrikar, under whose leadership BJP won the 2012 state Assembly polls, told reporters here.

"The turning point had started in 2012 polls, now it will be confirmed. The Congress would be decimated in this election," Parrikar said pointing out the current bickering within the Congress party's state unit.

The party on the eve of elections suspended its four youth Congress workers for anti-party activity. Later, they dissolved Dabolim constituency block and now Cuncolim constituency block officials have been suspended and replaced with those names, who are already campaigning for BJP, he said.

Parrikar said the party had lost its Salcette (taluka which was a Congress bastion) citadel during 2012 polls.

"The Lok Sabha polls will confirm the 2012 results," he said.

The BJP had won 21 out of 40 seats during the last Assembly polls, reducing the Congress to a single digit minority.

Referring to the secular versus communal debate initiated by Congress, the chief minister said the party which is sinking is catching the last straw in the form of this pointless debate.