Goa BJP uncertain of minorities’ reaction to Modi’s anointment

Goa BJP leaders remained uncertain as to what would be reaction of minority communities to Narendra Modi`s appointment as election campaign in-charge, considering his image post-Gujarat violence.

Panaji: Goa BJP leaders on Sunday remained
uncertain as to what would be the reaction of minority communities to Narendra Modi`s appointment as election campaign in-charge, considering his image post-Gujarat violence.

While Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said Modi has been accepted by minorities in Gujarat, deputy chief minister Francis D`Souza said, "Whether minorities accept him or not in Goa will have to be seen only after Lok Sabha election results."

"Whether minorities will accept him or not, we will come to know only after (Lok sabha) results," D`Souza told reporters.

He, however, said the party cannot have different agenda for the nation and Goa.

"As on today, he is the best person to lead the party," he said reacting to Modi`s appointment as national election campaign chief.

"He is a good administrator. I cannot say whether minorities will accept him or not because I am not representing minorities here," D`Souza, a Catholic community leader, representing Mapusa Assembly constituency, said.

"The issue is not just Catholic community, but whole of Goa should accept him," he added.

Parrikar said there was absolutely no fear psychosis in the mind of people about Modi. "Gujarat results indicate that even Muslim community has voted for Modi," Parrikar told.

"Look at Gujarat, there is sufficient number of minority people who have voted for BJP there," he pointed out.

In Goa, 27 per cent people follow Catholic faith.

Party`s Goa incharge Smriti Irani told reporters that Modi`s appointment was a decisive step towards BJP`s victory in 2014 elections. "Goa has created a history," said Irani, who has been openly supporting Modi as Prime Ministerial candidate.

National executive member and former Goa BJP chief Laxmikant Parsekar said the party has heralded its election campaign for the parliamentary polls through a public meeting held today at Taleigao, near Panaji.

"Modi`s political career began from Goa 12 years ago and now Goa will be base to launch him to lead the country," he said.

BJP MP from Goa Shripad Naik said Modi has been supported by party workers cutting across states.

PTI

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