OLD GOA
Stating that Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) kept its word of keeping its alliance with BJP till 2017, MGP president and Factories and Boilers Minister, Pandurang alias Deepak Dhavalikar, however, made it clear that this alliance for the 2017 polls was not without conditions.
“The alliance will continue for the upcoming assembly elections only if the demands of the party are accepted. If, in case, the alliance breaks, then MGP will go it alone and Sudin Dhavalikar will be declared as its chief ministerial candidate,” he stated.
Dhavalikar made the statement at a MGP worker's meeting in Voilem Bhat-Merces on Sunday evening.
Later, speaking to The Goan, Dhavalikar informed that the demands of the party are 12-14 seats, including St Cruz.
“If our demands are not met and the alliance is broken, then MGP will go it alone,” said Dhavalikar, but refused to state how many seats the party would contest in such a scenario.
“I alone cannot decide. The decision will be taken by the parliamentary and the central committees of the party,” he said.
Earlier, Dhavalikar said that MGP had weakened after its elected candidates were bought by national parties like the Congress.
“From 2003, our mission was to strengthen the party all over Goa and today, we have made inroads in constituencies like St Cruz,” Dhavalikar informed.
“As and when the elections are announced, a bigger meeting will be held here. Issues like protecting Goan identity, language, casino, etc, will be the focus for the upcoming election,” he added.
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MGP's Prakash Naik for St Cruz?
THE GOAN NETWORK
OLD GOA
Even though the BJP-MGP alliance has not been finalised, MGP president, Pandurang alias Deepak Dhavalikar, unofficially announced Prakash Naik as the party candidate from St Cruz constituency.
Speaking at a public meeting in Merces, Dhavalikar initially stated that Naik could be the MGP candidate from St Cruz.
But, later when he was pressed by MGP workers into giving firm assurance that Naik would be the St Cruz candidate, Dhavalikar gave in, but said that he can only unofficially declare Naik as candidate.
“The final decision, however, will rest with the parliamentary committee and the central committee,” he stated.
When The Goan pointed out that the BJP has also laid its claim for St Cruz seat, Dhavalikar said that all issues will be discussed during the alliance talks, but added that the party would not budge on its claim for this seat.
