Panaji: Two days before the Goa Assembly polls, political parties have started maneuvering. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has arrived in Delhi following exit poll predictions that a simple majority would not be forthcoming. Sawant, who met Prime Minister Modi, explained the possibilities for the party. He may see other leaders as well. Later, he will return to Mumbai to meet Devendra Fadnavis, who was in charge of the BJP in Goa.
The Congress is one step ahead with maneuvers as it has had the bitter experience of the last time. Meanwhile, Congress candidates were reportedly shifted to the resort. Karnataka PCC president DK Singh, who is well known in resort politics. The Congress has also sent Sivakumar to Goa.
DK Sivakumar said the Congress would advance in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa. ‘In Goa, the Congress will come to power with a majority. I am going to Goa to help the party leaders, ”DK Sivakumar told ANI. It is noteworthy that after the elections, the Congress pledged allegiance to the party with the Goa candidates.
The BJP has already held open talks with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and some independents in anticipation of a possible setback. But there are indications that the MGP is not interested in the leadership of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. If the MGP becomes a kingmaker, it will be interesting to see if the BJP will sacrifice Pramod Sawant.
‘The Prime Minister met Modi. We can stay in power. The BJP will win more than 20 of the 40 seats. The government will be formed with the support of local parties and independents. Talk to them and listen to their needs. We will seek the support of the MGP if necessary, ”said Pramod Sawant.
Meanwhile, there are indications from the Congress leadership that major changes are likely at the national level. In Goa, the Congress now says it can ally with the Trinamool and the Aam Aadmi Party.
‘We are ready for an open alliance with any party other than the BJP. In Goa, we can form an alliance with any party that opposes the BJP, be it the AAP or the Trinamool, ”said Dinesh Gundurao, who is in charge of the Congress in Goa.
Exit polls suggest Trinamool Congress will win up to three seats They contested the elections in alliance with the MGP. The seats occupied by this alliance will be decisive.
In the 40-member Goa Assembly, 21 seats are needed to get a simple majority. India Today and Times Now exit polls predict that Congress will be the largest party.
Although the Congress was the largest party in the 2017 elections, it failed to form a government. The BJP came to power with smaller parties. This time the Congress has already started preparations to avoid repeating the mistake of the last time.