'Lost 4kg in Delhi, missing Goan food', says Parrikar; will 'party man' return to Goa politics?

Union Defence Minister  Manohar Parrikar on Saturday once again refused to make a clear comment on speculations of his return to Goa politics. 

Parrikar was among the early voters who voted at the polling booth located in the heart of Panaji city at around 7:30 am.

Describing himself as a "party man" who will work as per the directions of party leaders, Parrikar said that he was missing "Goan food in Delhi" and that people could derive any meaning out of his remarks.

However, when questioned about his "Goan food" remarks, Parrikar responded, "I have lost four kilos in Delhi, the main reason is food."

"I have not said anything. I only said I like Goan food. You can derive any meaning out of it," he commented.

"Iske bareme apko Amitji ne kaha hai, jo kaha hai utna hi mai wapas repeat karoonga (I will repeat what Amitji (Shah) has said on this issue). I am a party man, let the party decide," he told reporters, when asked if he would be the next chief minister of Goa if his party was voted to power.

Stating that polling was expected to cross the 85% mark this time, he said, "Initial reports indicates beginning of a very good turnout. I expect good voting this time like last time when there was 83% voting. It may even exceed 85% this time."

He also said that BJP expects the mandate with two-third majority. 

This Goa election will decide the fate of 250 candidates. While a large number of new faces are contesting this time, the polls will decide political future of Goa's five former chief ministers Churchill Alemao, Pratapsinh Rane, Ravi Naik, Digambar Kamat and Luizinho Faleiro along with present CM Laxmikant Parsekar.

(With ANI/PTI inputs)