the goan I network
PONDA
The MGP may be a coalition partner in the BJP-led State government, but that has not stopped a belligerent MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar from hitting out at national parties for “entering Goa and ruining the state.”
Addressing a news conference on Saturday to inform reporters about the new office of the regional party in Ponda, Dhavalikar said his party would persuade the people of Goa on the need of MGP, a regional party in the State.
“National parties entered Goa and they ruined our state. We need to persuade the people of Goa, who are suffering today because of these national parties,” said Dhavalikar.
Though Dhavalikar did not name the national parties during his outburst, the MGP has not hesitated to ally with national parties to form the government. While it has presently partnered with the BJP and Goa Forward Party, the MGP had been coalition partners with the Congress while it ruled the state.
Seeking to lower the image of national parties and boost the image of the MGP, a regional party, Dhavalikar added: “We have publicly accepted our mistakes by joining hands with the Shiv Sena during last assembly elections. Now, we will not commit such mistakes again. We will go to the public and highlight the importance of a regional party,” Dhavalikar said.
“After severing ties with BJP during last assembly elections, we came to know our strengths and limitations. Our vote percentage increased from 7 per cent in the 2007 assembly elections to 13 per cent in 2017, which is a good thing for MGP.”
“MGP will have offices in all constituencies where our supporters are there. With this, we will reach to the public and will tell them how important the MGP is for growth of the State,” Dhavalikar added.
The MGP will open its office at Tisk-Ponda on March 18 at 11.30 am. PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, former MLA Lavu Mamledar and other office bearers will be present on the occasion.
Dr Ketan Bhatirkar, PMC Councillor
Geetali Talaulikar, Nidhi Mamlekar and others were present during the news conference.
