PANJIM: The ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, following the surgical strikes, has cast its shadow over the planned alliance talks between the BJP and MGP for the 2017 Assembly elections.
Highly placed sources in the BJP told Herald that the alliance talks, scheduled for this week, have been kept on hold as Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is busy in Delhi following a series of ceasefire violations by Pakistan.
“Also, the initial idea of shifting the talks to Delhi has been scuttled as Parrikar cannot spare time for the issue. He is not even able to have contacted the State unit,” sources said.
The crucial alliance talks were scheduled to begin from October 2. Both parties have expressed their desire to continue ties for the upcoming polls.
MGP leaders Ramakrishna and Pandurang Dhavalikar had refused to enter into a dialogue with BJP in September as it was considered not an auspicious time according to the Hindu calendar.
“There is still time for elections. We are confident about our alliance and hence the question of disturbing Parrikar and holding meeting does not arise. The first round talks might take place post BRICS summit if everything goes well. It may begin after the formal notification for the election is issued,” sources said.
Sources confirmed that the alliance talks would be chaired by Union Minister and BJP Goa desk in charge Nitin Gadkari and Parrikar, while Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar will have no major role to play.
BJP and MGP showed their inclination for an alliance during Gadkari’s last visit. However, the major stumbling block is seat sharing, as MGP is seeking 12 to 14 seats including Bicholim and Cumbarjua which BJP is also claiming.
MGP has announced that Independent MLA Naresh Sawal would be their candidate from Bicholim, where BJP’s Rajesh Patnekar is eyeing that seat. Similarly, there is speculation of Congress MLA Pandurang Madkaikar contesting on an MGP ticket from Cumbarjua, for which Union Minister Shripad Naik’s son Siddesh is seeking the BJP ticket. MGP is also firm on its demands for Dabolim and Valpoi constituencies.
