Team Herald

PANJIM: Differences between the BJP and MGP in the ensuing civic polls in Ponda seem to have grown wider with the regional ally of the BJP-led government terming their alliance during the past municipal elections a ‘mistake’.

MGP that will contest the elections under the banner ‘Rising Ponda’ has vowed not to repeat the mistake. “We will contest without merger with any party. I am proud that this time people will vote for us. There is no development in Ponda for the last five years because of the (inefficiency of) Ponda Municipal Council. (Some of) those who were with us unfortunately resigned and went to another group (hinting at BJP). I would like to bring to the notice of the people and that it is my duty to solve all civic issues,” he told reporters in response to query on the party’s decision to detach with BJP this year.

Asked if it was mistake to tie up with BJP, he said, “It has hurt me (referring to the happenings in the last civic election). We have been ditched by four elected representatives in the PMC. We have accepted our past mistake and we will not repeat the mistake.” The minister also named the then MGP-backed councillors who switched their loyalty to BJP later.

He said that he is confident of winning an absolute majority in the upcoming elections while ridiculing that two national parties tying up for the civil polls was indicating that MGP is a strong contender.

The minister, however, ruled out that civic elections will impact their alliance in the State government.