the goan I network
MARGAO
As strong news did the rounds that the NCP may have to settle only for two seats in the event of an alliance with the Congress, with the Cortalim seat eyed by Babush Monserrate’s party, Jose Philip said no decision has been taken as yet to deny the NCP the Cortalim seat. “It’s too early to say that the NCP will not get the Cortalim seat. We are in touch with the party leadership. Nothing is final for the moment,” Jose Philip said.
NCP Cortalim candidate, Nelly Rodrigues, however, said she is prepared for any eventuality. “My strength has always been my people and my supporters. I have been in touch with my workers, who have told me to contest as an independent in the event the NCP does not get the Cortalim seat in the scheme of things,” Nelly said.
Though the NCP and Congress camps maintained that no decision has been taken on the NCP-Congress alliance for the coming poll, Nelly’s camp in Cortalim are closely watching the movements of Babush Monserrate, whose new party has reportedly staked claim on the seat. In fact, the Nelly camp was rattled after banners were put up in certain areas of the constituency stating that the Cortalim seat will go to Monserrate’s party in the event of an alliance.
The NCP had earlier this month announced a total of four candidates, including Party President Jose Philip D’Souza (Vasco), Churchill Alemao (Benaulim), Nelly Rodrigues (Cortalim) and Vincent Rodrigues (Nuvem). Though the party had staked claim for a total of seven seats, sources said the party was ready to settle for these four seats as part of an
alliance with like-minded parties.
Last week, party leaders, Jose Philip and Churchill had air dashed to Mumbai to call on NCP general secretary Praful Patel, with a plea to pursue with the Congress high command on the proposed alliance since the local Congress leadership had virtually cold-shouldered the party offer for the electoral tie-up.
