BBSM to form panel for deciding its strategy in Goa polls

Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM), which is spearheading the demand for mother tongue as the medium of instruction in Goa, has decided to form a committee to decide its political strategy in view of the Assembly polls slated next year.
"The committee will be formed and headed by journalist Uday Bhembre. The aim is to decide the political strategy of BBSM considering the forthcoming Goa Assembly elections," BBSM leader Pundalik Naik said today.
There is less possibility that BBSM will float its own political party, but it would support candidates, including Independents, in different constituencies, he said.
"Like-minded candidates would be supported in the poll. This is one of the options that would be considered by the committee," Naik said.

BBSM has already announced that it will declare its future political engagements on October 2.
Considering the possibility that Goa polls, due in March next year, may be preponed to December this year, BBSM will also shift its October 2 deadline, Naik said, adding, "If the elections are preponed we will also shift our deadline. The decision will be taken at an appropriate time."
The manch has been opposing the state government's decision to give grants to English-medium schools and demands that only those schools imparting education in mother tongue should be given grants.
BBSM had protested against Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on June 18, when the state celebrated Goa Revolution Day.