PANJIM: Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) on Friday announced its alliance with the Shiv Sena to take on the ruling BJP in the 2017 Assembly elections. As on now, GSM will contest in 35 constituencies, while Shiv Sena in five.
Addressing the media, GSM President Anand Shirodkar said, “Five constituencies – Pernem, Tivim, Saligao, Cuncolim and Vasco – will be contested by Shiv Sena and we will back them being the principal party. This alliance is entered into as both parties have similar views.”
He said, “No grants for English medium schools is our main criteria. Both parties are committed to protect Goa and the people of Goa by protecting its culture and identity. Both parties have similar views on MoI, casinos, Tenancy Act, special status and nationalisation of rivers and we will soon announce a common minimum programme.”
Shirodkar said that GSM, Shiv Sena and Goa Praja Party will have a joint meeting in which seat-sharing will be decided and by December 15 all candidates will be declared. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will attend the meeting.
He said that the GSM-Shiv Sena combine is still open for an alliance with MGP. “We have given them a new deadline of November 30 if they want to still join us for an alliance,” Shirodkar said.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said the Goan environment has changed and what Subhash Velingkar is fighting for now, Shiv Sena has been fighting for in the last 50 years.
