Team Herald
PANJIM: With the results in, the process of horse-trading has begun with the Congress and the BJP having begun to woo smaller parties.
Sources said the Congress has an advantage since the regional Goa Forward Party that has three seats comprises former Congressmen, who may tilt towards it. MGP, is also not a stranger to the Congress as the two parties have governed in alliance in the past.
MGP president Deepak Dhavailkar said, “Decision on whom to support in forming the government only after consultations.”
Goa Forward chief spokesman Prashant Naik said the party has kept all its options open. With three seats in its pocket, the regional party has become crucial in the formation of next government. The party is also being wooed by BJP. Michael Lobo of BJP, who has been elected from Calangute constituency, told reporters he has already met Goa Forward leader Vijai Sardesai. “If required, the party will take his support to form the next government,” he said.
Three independents have also made to the Assembly in the form of Rohan Khaunte backed by Congress in Porvorim, Govind Gawde backed by BJP in Priol and Prasad Gaonkar in Sanguem.
Congress is in talks with Goa Forward and MGP, who both have won three seats each. AICC has authorised Digvijay Singh to hold talks with other regional parties and independent MLAs to get their support.
However, if MGP swings to the BJP and so do Khaunte and Gaonkar, then BJP is through, even without debating which way Goa Forward will go.
If Congress gets Goa Forward and MGP with 6 seats together to back it, we may see a Congress government with a consensus Chief Minister.
And yet, do not rule out the alternative of the MGP, sensing the situation demanding Chief Ministership from the Congress.
