Panaji (Goa): Even though there is still no clarity as from where Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will contest by-elections from, the Congress party has announced to field candidate against Parrikar.

The Congress Legislative Party (CLP) that met on Tuesday under its leader Chandrakant Kavalekar has resolved to field candidate against Parrikar and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane in the by-elections.

While former Congress MLA, Vishwajeet Rane is slated to re-contest from Valpoi constituency, there is still no clarity from which seat Parrikar will contest from, though the BJP has unofficially confirmed Panaji.

Speaking to media persons, CLP leader Chandrakant Kavalekar said that the legislative members have decided to field candidates in Panaji and Valpoi to contest against Parrikar and Rane respectively during the by-polls, ensuring that party wins both the seats. “The CLP had discussion on the by-elections and it was decided that, from wherever Parrikar contests, we will field our candidate,” he said.

Kavalekar said that unlike last election, where we supported candidate of United Goans (Atanasio Monserrate), this time, party will field its own candidate.

Parrikar resigned as Defence Minister in March and returned back to be Chief Minister.  He has to get himself elected within six months from March.

Meanwhile, the party has decided to file three disqualification petitions against Rane for defying the whip issued by the party before the crucial floor test held on March 16, where Parrikar led coalition government proved its majority.

Team TNV