THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO: As sitting MP Narendra Sawaikar is bracing up to file his nomination papers on Thursday for a second term in the Lok Sabha, questions are being raised whether Goa Forward party leader and deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai will accompany the BJP candidate to the office of the Returning officer.
The question has assumed significance and comes against the backdrop of the MGP virtually out of the coalition government and reports of Sudin Dhavalikar planning to throw his hat into the Lok Sabha election ring. It further assumes significance given that the Goa Forward Chief has not taken kindly to the midnight political developments that saw the two MGP MLAs “ Babu Ajgaonkar and Deepak Pauskar crossing sides to the BJP camp.
Sources informed that the sitting MP had called on the Goa Forward Chief and deputy Chief Minister around two days ago and is believed to have discussed the ensuing election and filing of nomination papers on Thursday.
Vijai is on record saying that while he and his party will follow the coalition dharma, he had in the same vein not come clear on whether he would descend in Fatorda in support of the BJP candidate.
On the contrary, Sardesai has sent signals that the coalition partner may not need his support in Fatorda given that the BJP enjoys an elaborate network in the constituency.
The Goa Forward Chief thus left many a party worker to wonder what stand Vijai will take on the question of extending support to the BJP candidate.
In the meantime, the BJP is gearing up to mobilise its cadre and karyakartas as sitting MP Narendra Sawaikar is bracing up to file his nomination papers for the South Goa constituency on Thursday.
In fact, BJP South Goa district President Sarvanand Bhagat has sent a message to all karyakartas and well-wishers to be present at 10.30 am on March 28 at the BJP south Goa office, opposite the Margao KTC bus stand.
Sawaikar is expected to file his nomination papers for the South Goa seat at 11 am before the Returning Officer at the Matanhy Saldanha Administrative complex.
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