Team Herald

PANJIM: Dreaming of forming the next government in the State on its own, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) has decided to look inwards and strengthen the party from the grassroots. The regional party, which is currently in alliance with the BJP, has started preparatory work in 27 assembly constituencies. 

As a first step, MGP on Saturday welcomed nearly 200 Shiv Sena workers, including former State chief Shivaprasad Joshi into the party. Joshi had been sacked by Shiv Sena earlier this month for anti party activities.

Speaking to media persons, MGP president Pandurang (Deepak) Dhavalikar said the party is concentrating on 27 constituencies, even as it intends to spread its wings across all 40. “We are dreaming big. There is nothing wrong in dreaming and achieving those dreams. We want to form the next State government on our own, without any support. We are working to ensure that we get maximum 21 seats,” he said. 

The former Minister said the party has a strong political future in Goa. “In days to come, you will see more and more people joining the party including some leaders from other political parties,” he said.

He was supported by his colleague and former MLA Naresh Sawal, who took an in-direct dig at the national parties for trying to harm and destroy MGP’s existence in Goa. “MGP is a factory that creates MLAs. The party created many MLAs,” Sawal said.

 but unfortunately they shifted loyalty. Almost every national party managed to form the government with support of MG,” Sawal said. 

He added, “The same parties tried to destroy MGP. Fighting against all odds, the party still stands strong and will continue to. We will work to ensure that party forms its own government with 21 seats in the next Assembly election,” he said. 

Sports Minister Manohar Azgaonkar and MLA Deepak Pawaskar were present during the event.