Team Herald
PANJIM: Though anticipating a clear majority by winning 23 to 25 seats, the Congress is also keeping its options open for an alliance with the Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Independent candidates, should it fall short of the required number of MLAs to form the government.
The Congress on Tuesday afternoon met with its candidates and their election agents ahead of the counting of votes scheduled on March 11. The meeting, chaired by State Party President and Navelim candidate Luizinho Faleiro, directed all candidates to opt for recounting or counting of VVPAT slips, if they find any discrepancy in the total number of voters who cast their vote and the number of votes polled by each party candidate.
Addressing media persons after the meeting, Faleiro said, “Our post-poll assessment, gives us clear indications that we are winning with a thumping majority.”
Asked whether the party will go for a post-poll alliance with MGP-Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) if required, Faleiro said, “I am positive towards such a move, I am positive on alliance with them.”
He added, “Also, if any other candidate (Independent) feels that they believe in Congress ideology, subscribe to what Congress has promised in its election manifesto, then they are free to support us, be with us in the government.”
Faleiro, who is a contender for the Chief Minister’s post if Congress is voted to power, however, ruled out any discussion on the topic.
“The decision on who will be the Chief Minister is solely taken by the legislative wing. It is their democratic right. The winning candidates will decide their Chief Minister,” he said, adding that the Congress High Command will also depute national observers to guide the MLAs in this.
The State Assembly elections were held on February 4, with Congress fielding 37 candidates while extending support to Independent candidate Rohan Khaunte in Porvorim and United Goans’ candidate Atanasio Monserrate in Panjim
Leader of the Opposition Pratapsingh Rane was present for the hour-long meeting, as were Congress candidates Digambar Kamat, Vishwajit Rane, Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco, Jennifer Monserrate.
Giving details of the meeting, Faleiro said it was called to brief the candidates and their election agents about the counting procedure.
“I have asked the election agents of each candidate to get details of total voters in their respective booths and the total number of votes pulled. In case, there is any doubt or discrepancies, then they have right to call for recounting or counting of VVPAT slips,” he said.
During the meeting, candidates raised apprehensions on the security of EVMs kept in the strong room, since the time between the voting and counting is of over 35 days. Discussion was also held on the postal ballot issue.
