BJP allows Naik to contest Goa Assembly polls

The BJP Central leadership has finally allowed its Goa MP Sripad Naik to contest next month's Assembly polls.

The BJP Central leadership has finally allowed its Goa MP Sripad Naik to contest next month's Assembly polls.

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The party had earlier turned down Naik's request to enter the state politics which led him to express his reluctance to campaign for the March 3 polls.

BJP president Nitin Gadkari told reporters today that Naik, Lok Sabha MP from North Goa, would be contesting state polls.

"He will be a candidate of the BJP-MGP alliance," Gadkari said after announcing the pre-poll alliance between his party and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party.

State party Executive Committee had suggested that his name be included in the list of candidates. BJP Central leadership, however, had refused to allow Naik enter state politics, saying he was required in Delhi.

Naik's supporters were upset with the party's decision and had even hinted at rebellion ahead of the polls. The 59-year-old three-time MP is considered a contender for Chief Ministerial post along with Manohar Parrikar.

To a question on BJP's chief ministerial candidate, Gadkari said the elections would be fought under the leadership of Parrikar, Naik, Goa unit chief Laxmikant Parsekar and MGP leader Dipak Dhavalikar.

"We will decide on the chief ministerial candidate later on," the BJP president added.