TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: Uncertainty over BJP-MGP alliance continued until “D” day with both sides unable to reach consensus even as a late night meeting was scheduled on Saturday between party leaders of both sides.

BJP State President Nitin Gadkari was scheduled to come to Goa on Saturday to hold discussion with MGP leaders to iron out the differences and seal the much awaited alliance.

State President Laxmikant Parsekar confirmed that meeting was happening later in the night and decision in all probability will be declared on Sunday.

BJP has agreed to allot six constituencies to MGP which had demanded that it be given at least twelve seats.

If alliance happens, constituencies of Madkai, Ponda, Priol, Tivim, Quepem and St Cruz will be left to MGP.

A senior MGP leader confirmed that BJP National President is coming to Goa to meet its leaders and meeting was fixed at 11 pm.

When asked how confident he was of the alliance happening, he said “irrespective of other things the fact is both parties want alliance to happen.”

He also revealed that reluctant Dhavalikar is ready for an alliance. “He is ready but Digambar Kamat is not,” when asked if Dhavalikar had given the party’s final word.

On the other hand, BJP which is suspicious of the intention of Sudin Dhavalikar is ready for any eventuality. “We have our candidates ready if alliance does not happen,” said a BJP leader.

MGP has schedule a meeting on Sunday afternoon to decide candidates if alliance is not sealed. MGP has decided to field candidates in 16 constituencies in the event it goes solo.