NCP insists on 12 seats

NCP insists on 12 seats
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The second round of alliance talks between the Congress party and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is likely to take place this week after January 5, with NCP persisting with its demand for 12 seats.
NCP State President Surendra Sirsat speaking to Herald, on Sunday said there’s been no change in their stand, and their demand for 12 seats  stands. However the ultimate decision will be taken by the high command.
“I don’t know from where these rumours are floating but we haven’t settled for 10 seats.” said Sirsat further adding that the second round of talks will take place after January 5.
In addition to its last six seats– Tivim,  Mapusa,  Siolim, Vasco,  Saligao and Benualim–it also wants Porvorim,  Cortalim,  Mayem/Bicholim, Canacona, Sanguem and Mandrem.
The NCP is sticking to Benaulim which was represented by Mickky Pacheco until two days ago.  The former Benaulim MLA resigned from NCP on December 30, 2011 to join the Goa Vikas Party (GVP).
Sirsat categorically stated that they will not give up their  claim for the Benaulim seat even as Mickky has ditched them.  It’s highly unlikely that the Congress will allow 12 seats for NCP. During the last five years the NCP tried very hard to make inroads in some of  the constituencies to build pressure on the Congress to allow it more seats.
The NCP state president said despite differences between both parties , he  is positive that they  will succeed  in forging an alliance.