MARGAO
In a development that has raised many an eyebrow in Salcete’s political circles, former PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao, who has been virtually snubbed by the Congress over his offer to return to the party, has reportedly met NCP leader Praful Patel in Mumbai after his return from Bahrain, even as NCP Goa Chief Jose Philip D’Souza warned political parties not to take the NCP for granted, promising that the party will strike big around Diwali.
Both Churchill and Jose Philip D’Souza confirmed that the Churchill-Praful meeting did take place in Mumbai a day ago, though the details as to what transpired between the two political leaders were not available for the moment.
Jose Philip, however, clearly hinted that Churchill met the NCP leader to explore the possibility of joining the party, adding that he would call on the former PWD Minister immediately after his return to the state.
Churchill, who was holed up in Mumbai after his return from Bahrain, said that he had a meeting with Praful Patel, but nothing has been decided by him on joining a political party. “I am returning to Goa in a day or two and I will discuss the various options available before taking a final call,” he said, adding that he would unveil his political future on October 17 on the day of the Fama of Menino Jesus at Colva.
“For more than a year now, I had offered the Congress leadership to join the party and contest the coming election from Benaulim on the party ticket. Some of the Congress leaders did approach me, but they have not communicated any decision so far,” Churchill said, adding that he is free to take a call after consulting his supporters whether to join a political party or contest as an Independent.
Meanwhile, Jose Philip D’Souza has warned all those who are trying to belittle the NCP after a section of its leaders joined the Congress party a couple of months ago. “Wait till Diwali and our political opponents will come to know NCP’s plans in Goa in the coming election,” he said.
When asked whether he is hinting at the possibility of former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao joining the NCP by Diwali, he said things will be clear by October end. “There are some Congress leaders, who are deliberately trying to belittle the NCP saying the party is no longer a force in the state. We know our strength in certain constituencies. But at the same time, we want an alliance with all secular forces to defeat the BJP in the coming election,” he said.
