BJP mum on fielding Parrikar's son for Panaji Assembly bypoll

Amid speculation that Utpal Parrikar, elder son of late Manohar Parrikar, is a frontrunner for the BJP ticket for Panaji Assembly bypoll, the party Thursday said "some names" were being discussed for the seat.

The bypoll, scheduled on May 19, was necessitated after the death of sitting MLA and the then chief minister Manohar Parrikar last month.

"The BJP is gearing up for the Panaji bypoll and the process to select the candidate will start soon," party's Goa spokesman Damodar Naik told PTI.

He said the BJP will shortlist the candidate and a final call on it would be taken by the party's election committee and the parliamentary board.

Asked if Utpal Parrikar's name may figure in the list, Naik said, "A few names are being discussed and details would be revealed soon."