Team Herald
MARGAO: Former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao finally joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday.
Churchill Alemao in the presence of Central Observer Nawab Malik, NCP Goa president Jose Philip D’Souza, Rakhi Naik, Anil Jholapure announced his entry into the party and also inaugurated his office at Benaulim.
Later, Churchill along with his supporters had a public meeting at Benaulim.
The NCP has claimed to be in talks with Congress for an alliance. Surprisingly, there was no symbol or NCP banner at Churchill’s office and at the public meeting.
Speaking at the occasion, Churchill said, “I gave Congress 2 years and was waiting for them to offer me the Benaulim seat. They kept on dilly-dallying and then I gave them a one-month’s ultimatum. I had talks with NCP and met the party leaders. I am confident that a number of people are supporting me both from North or South.”
Churchill further said, he along with the NCP are capable of contesting 35-40 seats in Goa if the Congress fails to form an alliance with them.
NCP Central Observer Nawab Malik, while welcoming Churchill Alemao into the party said, “Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel met Churchill and have welcomed him on board. Jose and Churchill, these 2 stalwarts will definitely contest and we are trying our best to have an alliance with the secular forces in Goa.”
He further added that Praful Patel and Sharad Pawar had talks on alliance with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Goa desk incharge Digvijay Singh.
On seat sharing, Nawab said, “We want to contest at least 7 seats if we form an alliance with the Congress in Goa. Many new leaders are expected to join the party.
“We had contested seven seats in the past and now we have kept options open to interchange the constituencies with Congress in case of alliance if any. We are strong in Sanguem, Nuvem, Cortalim, Navelim and others,” Jose Philip D’Souza informed.
NCP has also clarified that they are open to supporting the regional parties. Jose Philip has also revealed that central leader Praful Patel will visit Goa.
