Team Herald
PANJIM: Almost every flight from Goa bound for Delhi and the return ones bound for Goa, had someone from the Congress or potential allies, friendly foes or foes (depending on the outcome of talks) on it. But several take off and landings later, no one was clear where this monumental political mess was heading to.
After Digambar Kamat and Pratapsingh Rane unleashed the alliance cat, creating massive confusion in the rank and file of the Congress, the Goa Forward of Vijai Sardesai and the United Goans Babush Monserrate were called to Delhi for “talks” on Wednesday. On Thursday morning, while they were in Delhi, the Congress released their fist list of 27 seats including seats which the two potential allies wanted to negotiate, especially in Velim (GF) and Cortalim (UG-Babush) which they intended to contest.
Sardesai had sought four seats – Fatorda (Sardesai), Saligao (Jayesh Salgaocar), Siolim (Uday Palyekar) and Velim (Antony Rodrigues). Goa Forward has already announced candidates in three constituencies except Fatorda.
However, notwithstanding the demand, Congress fielded Felipe Neri Rodrigues, a former Minister in Velim.
Highly placed sources confirm that Congress may not accept Goa Forward’s proposal for Saligao, where they want to field either former MLA Agnelo Fernandes or Tulio de Sousa. Congress has not announced its candidates in Saligao, Fatorda and Siolim.
“The alliance will take place only on Congress conditions,” a senior AICC leader said.
When contacted, Goa Forward expressed its unhappiness with the seat sharing formula of the Congress. “Party is of the opinion that it should go alone for the elections without any alliance. However, a final decision will be taken in consultation with Sardesai,” GF spokesperson Durgadas Kamat said.
However, Sardesai is hopeful of an alliance. “Nothing is confirmed,” he said refusing to speak further.
On the other hand, Congress has pleased Monserrate by giving tickets to his wife Jennifer (Taleigao) and his close aide Francisco Silveria (St Andre), but turned down its proposal for Cortalim, where Monserrate wanted to field Ramakant Borkar.
Congress has announced Gilbert Mariano Rodrigues as its candidate in Cortalim. Monserrate remained unavailable for comments.
The posturing continued with NCP too. The Congress will at best concede just Vasco (Jose Philip D’Souza) and Benaulim (Churchill Alemao) and NCP will have to withdraw its candidates from Cortalim, Nuvem and Saligao. In Nuvem, Congress has announced Wilfred D’Sa (Babashan) as its candidate.
The absolute uncertainly and mammoth confusion has left not just candidates but voters absolutely confused. Ironically politicians in the middle of this mess, feel no differently either.
Monserrate returned on Thursday evening, followed by Vijai Sardesai. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is sending his emissary to carry on discussions in Goa.
