MARGAO
Post-February 4 Assembly poll, a resurgence of the Congress, secular and non-BJP forces in the minority heartland of Salcete is not ruled out. Unlike 2012, when the Congress suffered a complete rout in its bastion with the party winning only two out of the eight seats at stake, the party appears placed in a comfortable position this time around, with projections giving the Congress minimum 4-5 out of the total eight seats.
In the remaining three seats too, the possibility of the secular forces, including Goa Forward Party mentor Vijai Sardesai and the Alemao brothers, Churchill and Joaquim, warding off a spirited challenge from their rivals and romping home to victory is not ruled out. In fact, the trio’s victory and the victory of Congress candidates may herald the resurgence of the Congress-secular forces in the minority heartland, but questions are indeed being raised in Salcete political circles whether the non-Congress and non-BJP forces will be willing to do business with the Congress after their cold shoulder by the national party in the run up to the polls.
The Goan spoke to Vijai Sardesai, Churchill and Joaquim Alemao on their preference and choice of government and the leaders, who will lead the government. The three leaders have been quick to insist on the unity of secular forces, however, they seem to disagree on their choice of the CM candidate.
