WEDNESDAY, MAY 01, 2024
Team Herald
Panjim: After Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra, the NCP is looking forward to providing a credible and viable non-BJP alternative in Goa as it announces willingness to go for pre-poll alliance with Congress and like-minded political parties in the 2022 State elections.
NCP Supremo Sharad Pawar, who is in Goa, chaired the party's State executive council meeting in Panjim on Wednesday. NCP State Chief Jose Philip D’Souza and MLA Churchill Alemao were present.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, which Pawar represents, is on a two-day visit to Goa, to oversee the preparedness of Indian Navy and functioning of Goa Shipyard Limited, which is providing equipment and ship support to the Defence force.
Addressing media, Pawar said that though there has been no final decision, within the party, talks are on that they should go for an alliance with Congress and like-minded parties for the polls.
“In several States, we are contesting Assembly elections as friends. In Goa, we have not taken any final decision. But within our party, we are definitely thinking of contesting the poll in alliance with Congress and like-minded secular parties. We will contest as a credible option against the BJP. We will work to provide a viable alternative to BJP and a stable government in Goa,” he said.
He added that NCP National General Secretary and Goa incharge Praful Patel is holding close dialogue with these cross sections on the alliance.
Responding to a question, Pawar said seat sharing discussions are not held at the local level but at the national level by party high commands. Stating that local leaders are looking forward to an early decision on the alliance, Pawar said announcements on tie-ups are usually taken, 3-6 months, before election dates are declared.
When asked about MLA Churchill Alemao support to BJP, Pawar said that legislators issue based support is accepted if it is in interest of masses. “Extending support to issues, which are in the larger interest of the State, does not mean he will join BJP or he is with the government,” he clarified.
Asserting that Goa’s image as a tourism destination should not be hampered; Pawar said that the government needs to reconsider its decision with regards to projects, which are anti-environment.
“Projects that can disturb society, environment and are anti-people, will not be supported. NCP will stand with the people,” he said.
Refusing to comment on the mining imbroglio, NCP leader said ‘it is for the Supreme Court to make a decision’. He also expressed willingness to provide expertise to the government to ensure smooth functioning of Sanjivani Sugar Factory.
Criticises PM Modi
Meanwhile, Pawar took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appointment as Chairman of the trust that manages world’s famous Somnath Temple in Gujarat. “As a person, we have all right to worship any god or follow any religion, but when we are elected representatives, we belong to all sections of the people,” he said.
“Being elected member, if I became head of any particular religious temple…I think I am going away from my commitment to the masses,” Pawar added.
He also requested the Centre to consider the farmers' protest with sympathy and resolve the issue.
