PANAJI
Stating that 25 per cent of Goans do not want Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) to align with any other party for the upcoming State Legislative Assembly polls, senior MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar said that the party is ready to contest in 28 constituencies if the pre-poll alliance with Goa Suraksha Manch does not work out.
Addressing mediapersons on Friday, Dhavalikar said, “We are in talks with GSM. If we do not arrive at a consensus, we are ready to face polls independently, like we did in 2007. Now we are prepared to contest in 28 constituencies. And if anyone wants to join us in another 12 constituencies, we will back them."
When asked about any alliance with BJP for the 2017 polls, he replied, “We will announce our decision once the code of conduct comes into effect. BJP claims that they will win 26 seats, which clearly indicates that they do not need us. We will contest in 24 seats. If people decide to revive the party, we should be elected in 21 constituencies at least.”
Dhavalikar was speaking after inducting Vasco-based politician Manesh Arolkar who joined MGP along with 200 of his supporters.
When asked about the reaction in the party after both he and his brother Deepak were dropped from the Cabinet, Dhavalikar said, “During the last one year there was unrest in our party, as many of our committee members used to say that if Godinho is being made the SGPDA chairman then why none of our members are being given that post? I would learn of these things through the central committee. People were happy that we were dropped from the Cabinet. 25 per cent people of Goa don't want MGP aligning with any party for elections, and say that it should go it alone.”
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POLL PLAN
- Sudin says MGP ready to contest in 28 constituencies if there is no tie-up with GSM
- Also keeps open the option of backing candidates in 12 other constituencies
- According to him, 25% Goans don't want MGP aligning with any party for elections
