VASCO
Nationalist Congress Party is all geared up for a grand alliance ahead of the upcoming Goa assembly elections and is confident of securing a considerable number of seats to contest in the upcoming electoral battle.
Speaking to the media on Saturday after a meeting with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar at a hotel, D’Souza said a broad-based coalition was necessary to prevent a split in anti-incumbency votes and present a united challenge to the BJP.
D’Souza said Pawar, who was in Goa on a personal visit, called him for a meeting that lasted over 45 minutes. During the discussion, D’Souza briefed the party chief on the NCP’s organisational strength, political developments and electoral preparedness across the State.
The meeting covered individual constituencies, party organisation and election strategy, he said.
According to D’Souza, Pawar favoured joining hands with alliance partners to avoid dividing votes opposed to the BJP. He said the NCP chief had indicated that senior leaders were laying the groundwork for alliance arrangements at the national level.
D’Souza said Supriya Sule was in touch with national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, as discussions on alliances and seat-sharing progressed. He added that he remained in regular contact with Sule, who had confirmed that negotiations with other parties were underway.
Expressing confidence in the NCP’s prospects, D’Souza said the party expected to secure a considerable number of seats to contest. He stressed that Opposition unity was essential to challenge the BJP and offer Goa an alternative government focused on local interests and development.
