PONDA
Dhavalikar, however, hastened to add that the political equations would be clear by December 15. “Two Congress MLAs, one from North Goa and another from the South, will be in our fold. In fact, some Congress MLAs wish to join the MGP but I can’t tell you anything for now. The picture of those who will join us and those who will get our party tickers will be clear by December 15,” he told The Goan on Tuesday.
The MGP president was responding to a query from The Goan on growing speculations that the MGP was in talks with some Congress MLAs to leave their party and join the MGP ahead of the 2017 polls.
The MGP has been demanding a greater share of seats (around 14) as part of the BJP-MGP alliance, but nothing has been finalised as yet and it is unclear if the BJP would be willing to part with its share of seats for its alliance partner.
Dhavalikar's plans to rope in some Congress MLAs into the MGP fold has been based on two key factors, according to political analysts.
Should the MGP extend its present strength from 3 MLAs to 5-6 MLAs in the next Assembly polls, it would emerge with sufficient clout to join hands with or offer outside support to any party in need of a simple majority in the event of a hung Assembly.
“Getting some 'winnable' MLAs from the Congress into the MGP would make it a party powerful enough to call the shots. Second, MGP is under no obligation to continue its support to the BJP. It had also supported the Congress in the past and given its open approach, the MGP would be much-sought after by any party or alliance, should it secure 5-6 seats in the 2017 polls,” said one analyst.
While negotiations are still on with the two Congress MLAs, sources close to the MGP disclosed that both MLAs are learnt to have put forth one condition it they are to join the MGP. The MGP would have to severe ties with the BJP.
“This may not be so difficult for the MGP especially since BJP-MGP relations have been shaky for some time now and moreover, the MGP is yet to decide on a pre-poll or post-poll alliance with the BJP,” the analyst added.
If it goes on its own, the MGP has already been promised support from the Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch, which is vehemently against the BJP-led government on the Medium of Instruction issue.
