Panaji,  A former Goa BJP Minister on Thursday said that the ruling party would take advantage of Valentine's Day to win the February 14 state Assembly elections for the third time in a row.

"This election is being held on the 14th (February). We celebrate Valentine's Day with a great deal of excitement. It is celebrated with great zeal along the coastal belt," Former Goa Agriculture Minister Dayanand Mandrekar said at the election rally in Mapusa town in North Goa.

"But this year, we get the opportunity to celebrate Valentine's day across the state on the occasion of the event. I am sure that the BJP will take advantage of Valentine's Day to win the Assembly elections for the third time making a hat-trick," he added.

Mandrekar is contesting the Assembly polls from the Siolim constituency in North Goa.