Goa bypolls: Health minister Rane files nomination from Valpoi

Goa Health Minister and BJP leader Vishwajit Rane today filed his nomination from Valpoi constituency for the by-election scheduled on August 23.
The bypoll was necessitated following Rane's resignation as the sitting MLA of the Congress after he joined the BJP in March this year.
Flanked by his supporters, Rane said, "I have full faith in the people of Valpoi constituency who have always stood by me".
"We are fighting this election under dynamic leadership of chief minister Manohar Parrikar. Our constituency will progress under his leadership," he said.
Rane, the son of veteran Congress leader Pratapsinh Rane, joined the BJP after the Manohar Parrikar-led coalition government won the floor test in the House in March.

Subsequently, he was inducted into the Cabinet and given the charge of Health ministry.
The Congress is yet to announce its candidate in Valpoi, though the name of former state Home minister Ravi Naik's son, Roy, is doing rounds.
Another bypoll in the state is scheduled for Panaji constituency on August 23, where Parrikar will be in fray.