VASCO
Goa Forward’s visit to Vasco and its intentions to contest in at least two constituencies in Mormugao has fuelled speculations over the candidates it plans to field.
While there were rumours that Goa Forward was in talks with Cortalim BJP MLA Alina Saldanha and NCP State President Jose Philip D’Souza, GPCC Secretary Saifullah Khan’s visit to Damodar Temple at about the same time when the GFP delegation had finished prayers further added to the speculations.
Khan and GFP General Secretary Durgadas Kamat were seen interacting outside the temple premises and with other GFP members.
When asked about the nature of their interaction, Kamat said: “We may be from different political parties but Khan and I have been friends for over 15 years.”
Akbar Mulla, who was also present, said he was the maternal uncle of Saifullah Khan and hence, Khan’s presence should not be seen with political connotations.
Kandolkar did not confirm or deny rumours about talks with Cortalim BJP MLA Alina Saldanha, Kandolkar.
“Saldanha and I have worked together as legislators in the past. I have the highest respect for her and she is one of the only legislators who is very vocal on issues affecting people of her constituency.”
“I cannot say much on talks with her as of now,” said Kandolkar.
There were further speculations that the GFP delegation had met NCP State President Jose Philip D’Souza over lunch at Bogmalo.
Sources said the meeting lasted for over two hours and the talks were basically on plans of the two parties if the Congress did not go in for an alliance.
“The GFP may give up on Dabolim constituency for the sake of Jose Philip D’Souza, who has already begun canvassing in Dabolim constituency.”
“While GFP may eye Vasco and Cortalim constituencies, they are likely to support D’Souza in Dabolim constituency who plans to contest on the NCP symbol. There were plans to meet some prominent leaders from Mormugao constituency but the plan changed at the last minute as the GFP did not want to reveal their plans in that constituency,” said a source in the GFP.
