PANAJI
Strongly objecting to giving Bicholim constituency to MGP, Goa Praja Party (GPP) Chief Pandurang Raut strongly stated that he is firm on
contesting from Bicholim constituency.
Speaking to media persons, Raut said, “Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) has already announced six candidates including myself from Bicholim. Though we have not had talks, it is learnt from media reports that GSM is planning to give Bicholim seat to MGP if the alliance happens. I have already started campaigning and it is not possible to make any changes now.”
He also pointed out that MGP was a part of the Congress-led State Cabinet, which had provided grants to minority-run English-medium primary schools, and also a part of the BJP-led government which continued the grants.
“In this case, trusting MGP on MoI issue is the biggest question,” he said.
“We respect him (Velingkar) and we also want to go ahead with an alliance. But justice should also be given to candidates who
have already been announced earlier. I am certain that he will keep up to his word,” he said
When asked whether GPP was taken into confidence by GSM while beginning alliance talks with MGP, he said,
“We have no idea about their alliance with Shiv Sena
and MGP. We were not told about it.”
However, sources informed that GSM is likely to convince Raut to contest from any other constituency and give the Bicholim seat to MGP.
Independent MLA Naresh Sawal is likely to be the MGP candidate in Bicholim.
