PANJIM: At least four to five independent candidates as well as those who may be the sole MLA of a party, who have a good chance of winning their seats, after seeking votes against the BJP, have refused to rule out supporting the BJP if they win the polls.

They tried to hedge and void Herald’s direct question “Can you rule out supporting the BJP if you win the elections by saying one of these

-Will decide after the results

-Will have to talk to his workers

-Will take a decision in the larger interest of the constituency.

-Any political observer understands this language which clearly means that supporting the BJP is not ruled out

Herald has clearly outlined the secret role these Independents would play in its Insight dated Jan 5, 2022. It does not come as a surprise to us knowing the Independent game is being played actively by the BJP. With the responses of these potential independent winners, ( and those who may be the only MLA of their party who can defect without the anti-defection law restrictions) our initial suspicions are confirmed. From Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco of Curtorim to Filipe Neri Rodrigues (NCP)of Velim in the line to winning their seats, didn’t give any assurance that they would rather sit in opposition than supporting the BJP. Their responses made it clear that they would be open to a dalliance with BJP under the common excuse of “let my workers decide” or the ultimate of all reasons “for development”. Of course, they didn’t rule out backing the Congress either.

Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, who contested as independent from Bicholim constituency said, “I had declined offers from political parties like BJP, MGP, and others to contest on their ticket because my workers, supporters and people requested me to contest as an independent and I obliged. If I win, I will consult my workers and voters and take a decision as per their wishes,” he said irrespective of which party will form the next government.

Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, who is seeking re-election for the fourth consecutive term from his traditional Curtorim constituency said, “I cannot jump to conclusions. If I win the election, I will consult my workers, supporters, and people and take a decision. My support will be in the larger interest of my Curtorim constituency and the people of Goa. Under no circumstances I will allow these interests to be compromised.”

Former Minister Filipe Nery Rodrigues, who is contesting on the NCP ticket and who could be the party’s lone winner, however, adopted a cautious stand.

When asked whether he would support the BJP or Congress-led parties to form the new government if elected, Rodrigues said, “I will not comment unless and until Assembly results are declared. It would be wrong to count chickens before they are hatched,” he said.

Another former Minister Deepak Pauskar had no qualms in saying that he will support the new government irrespective of the party heading it “ I will support the government, which will promise to meet my demands such as jobs to unemployed youth, resumption of mining activity and solving the issues of Dudhsagar jeep operators”

Both Rodrigues and Pauskar had quit the BJP ahead of the Assembly elections. Rodrigues declined to contest on the BJP symbol while Pauskar quit after he was denied the ticket.

Former Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar who is also contesting as an independent was not available for their comments.

Quoteroom

If I win the election, I will consult my workers, supporters, and people and take a decision. My support will be in the larger interest of my Curtorim constituency and the people of Goa- Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco Ind candidate, Curtorim

I will not comment unless and until Assembly results are declared- Filipe Nery Rodrigues. NCP candidate Velim