Panaji, Feb 23 (TOI): Power minister and BJP spokesperson Nilesh Cabral on Friday said that the party ticket for the Mapusa seat should go to former deputy chief minister Francis D’Souza’s son Joshua.

Cabral, stating that this is his personal view, added that since Francis was elected by the people of Mapusa for five terms, his family member could continue his work for the town. “As Francis, who remained completely loyal to the BJP for nearly two decades, fell sick and passed away, his son could take over the mantle for the remaining part of the present term,” he said.

Cabral also remarked that when former BJP minister Matanhy Saldanha expired suddenly, the party ticket was given to his wife Alina, who was a headmistress and not in politics.

“In Mapusa, Francis’s son is not a novice,” said Cabral. “He is already a councillor and I personally feel that he should get the party nomination for the work his father has done for the party.” Francis’s term can be continued by his son, he said, adding that Joshua doesn’t have to be groomed as he is already a councillor.

As for the party, Cabral said that the BJP would talk to the people and the mandal. “They will take the appropriate decision at the right time,” he said.

On the day his father was laid to rest, Joshua said he would continue to serve the people of Mapusa and fulfil all the dreams Francis had for his hometown and his fellow Mhapxekars.

Many took the statement to indicate that Joshua could step into his father’s shoes and play a bigger role in state politics. A day earlier, Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai said he was willing to back Joshua if the latter decided to contest the byelections from Mapusa.

The BJP has some names for discussion on the drawing board for the bypoll, which will be held along with Mandrem and Shiroda byelections, the dates for which are yet to be announced. Names doing the rounds include former MMC chairpersons Sandeep Falari and Sudhir Kandolkar, Rupesh Kamat from the chief minister’s office, and Pradeep Joshi.