Parrikar on US tour along with 3 MLAs PANJIM, AUG 31
Goa's Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar who is in the news for being considered for BJP's top post of party president at the national level, is currently on an USA tour along with three MLAs. Parrikar couldn't be reached for his comments on the news reports that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has not only shortlisted him but is reported to be one of the strong contenders for the President's post when the term of the incumbent - Rajnath Singh- ends in December. Party officials here felt it's a great honour that a Goan is tipped to be the next president of BJP at the national level. "There is nothing in writing so far, so can't comment", said one leader while expressing happiness about the proposal. Sources in the party said Parrikar has left for the US a couple of days ago with three BJP legislators and one or two office-bearers. Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik, Mormugao MLA Milind Naik and Shiroda MLA Mahadev Naik are learnt to be on a holiday to the US. Treasurer of the BJP, Goa unit, Sanjeev Desai who is a confidante' of Parrikar is part of the team. "They left after the 5-day celebrations of Ganesh Chaturti", a source said. They will be out of station for around three weeks, it is learnt. Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar was also to be part of the "holidaymakers" but there was some problem with his passport. Parrikar is also expected to visit his elder son (who got married earlier this year here), in the US. Well, this is not the first time Parrikar has taken some MLAs on a holiday abroad. In the past once when apparently there was a threat to the BJP, three MLAs were taken on a holiday abroad. Incidentally, this time too, there were reports doing the round some time ago that whenever the Congress undertakes an exercise of change in portfolios or cabinet reshuffle - the process for which has already begun now - one or two MLAs might break away from the BJP. Observers are surprised that Rajesh is not part of the group. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=26686&cid=26
