TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: In what can be termed as a process to pull out from the government, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) on Tuesday took the first step when its president Deepak Dhavalikar quit the post as chairman of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited.
Though, he termed his resignation as ‘responsibility towards party’ for the ensuing polls, unofficially he hinted party’s move of pulling out from Congress-led government.
“Being the president of the party, I have all responsibility towards it, especially in the run up for state elections,” he told reporters.
The Congress party, which was on honeymoon mode with MGP, will now have to set aside even from marriage, as MGP is busy having talks with BJP.
Terming Digambar Kamat-led government as ‘most corrupt government’, MGP Tuesday ruled out all possibilities of having an alliance with the Congress.
In what could be a further blow to Congress, MGP’s central committee is all set to meet this week with an agenda of moving out from the government. The committee will also deliberate on resignation by Transport Minister Ramakrishna Dhavalikar.
“We never had any talks with Congress over alliance nor are we going to have one. The talks with BJP are still on and hope will see some fruitful results,” Dhavalikar said adding that the party has set a deadline for BJP to decide on the alliance.
MGP, which is firm on its demand of ten seats are waiting for final outcome till end of this week. Failing which, party will contest on its own in 16 constituencies.
“We are also contemplating of having a Third Front if we don’t have an alliance with BJP. We are already in talks with several regional parties,” Dhavalikar said refusing to name any.
MGP has already finalised some constituencies for itself which includes Madkai, Priol, Mayem, Pernem, Porvorim, St Cruz, Ponda, Quepem, Sanvordem, Dabolim and Tivim.
The party has already claimed seats in Madkai and Priol for Dhavalikar brothers, respectively, along with Ponda, where they will be fielding Lou Mamlatdar against Home Minister Ravi Naik.
Apart from this, MGP on Tuesday ascertained its claim on Quepem constituency by admitting Prakash A Velip, former personal assistant to Digambar Kamat in its fold and tipping him to be the candidate. At the same time former Shiv Sena South Goa president Pratap Mardolkar joined MGP with an aim of contesting from Dabolim.
• Deepak Dhavalikar resigns as KTCL chairman
• MGP terms Congress government as ‘most corrupt’
• Never had talks on Congress-MGP alliance
• BJP-MGP alliance talks on. Deadline till this weekend
• MGP central committee to meet this week to decide whether to continue in government
• Prakash A Velip and Pratap Mardolkar join MGP
• Likely to contest from Quepem and Dabolim
• MGP in talks with regional parties for Third Front
• Can contest on its’ own in 16 constituencies
