Entering politics big sacrifice, will decide at right time: Utpal

PANAJI: Former chief minister Manohar Parrikar’s elder son Utpal said he would take a decision on joining politics at the right time. “It (joining politics) is a big sacrifice, as far as I am concerned. I have to think over it and will decide at the right time,” he told TOI.
There has been a clamour for Utpal to enter the electoral fray from Panaji, a seat held by his father Parrikar from 1994, with family friends and well-wishers pushing him to contest the bypoll.
But Utpal, 39, who is not actively involved in state politics said it was not an easy decision.“Till Thursday, we were in mourning and I have not seriously thought about contesting bypolls. I have kept the public sentiment in mind,” he said.
During the last state assembly elections in 2017, Utpal was seen alongside Parrikar during campaigns and rallies. His presence could not be missed at meetings in Panaji and neighbouring Porvorim, though Parrikar had always maintained that he didn’t want his sons to join electoral politics. “I have never campaigned with my father with the intention to join politics, but I used to campaign for baba (Parrikar),” he said.
Utpal also said he has not been approached by BJP as the family was in mourning and Panaji bypolls are yet to be scheduled. “This is not the right time to think about joining politics,” he said.
BJP state president Vinay Tendulkar and chief minister Pramod Sawant said the party will decide once the bypoll dates for Panaji are announced.
During Parrikar’s absence from state politics, Sidharth Kuncalienker was the Panaji MLA, twice, backed wholeheartedly by Parrikar.
“I have conveyed to the party leadership that I would abide by whatever decision they take on Panaji byelection,” he told TOI.
With changing political dynamics and rival Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monseratte’s growing clout has made the chorus for one of Parrikar’s son to jump into the fray louder with each passing day.