the goan I network
MARGAO
Even as the Independent MLA welcomed the Congress decision to forge an alliance with the regional party, saying that it is in tune with public sentiments, All India Congress general secretary in-charge of Goa desk Digvijai Singh has called Sardesai to Delhi on Wednesday to take the alliance proposal to its logical conclusion. “I am discussing the Congress invitation to Delhi with the Goa Forward Party leaders. If everything goes well, we may leave for the national capital on Wednesday to hold further discussions on the alliance with the Congress leadership,” he said.
Commenting on the Congress decision, Sardesai said that though the national party has responded to the alliance proposal a little late, everyone should work towards taking the alliance proposal to the logical conclusion.
He, however, said that many nitty gritties of the alliance including its contours and the number of seats that will be left for the regional outfit are yet to be decided by the two parties.
Sources said that after the Congress leadership agreed in principle for a tie-up with GFP, a sub-committee has been formed by the party to hold discussions with the regional players.
It is still not known how many seats the Congress will leave for the GFP to contest the coming election. While the GFP had staked claim on the four seats of Fatorda, Saligao, Siolim and Velim, it remains unknown whether the Congress will concede the Velim seat for the nascent party. Sardesai had repeatedly asserted that the regional party will not compromise on Velim come what may.
Earlier in the day, Margao MLA and former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had a meeting with Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi and is believed to have impressed upon him on the need to have a tie-up with the regional parties to keep the BJP at bay.
Kamat, who had struck a close rapport with Rahul Gandhi during his visit to the city for the public meeting last month, is believed to have convinced the Congress Vice-president that alliance with the regional parties will prevent a division of the secular and non-BJP votes and bring the Congress party closer towards victory.
