PANJIM: Stating that the Bihar Assembly elections serve as lesson to Congress, Goa Forward Party (GFP), an NDA ally, on Monday appealed to all the regional forces to unite to defeat the BJP during the 2022 State Assembly polls. The GFP president Vijai Sardesai maintained that the Congress in Goa remains a vital player, and cannot be termed as “irrelevant”.
Addressing media persons, Sardesai said the party has shortlisted winning candidates in 25 seats and there would be no compromise in seat sharing during the pre-poll alliance, if it takes place. He said the outcome of the Bihar polls was “a lesson for all to join hands to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP”.
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“I am not saying Congress is irrelevant but the Congress has to be realistic. We are not saying we don’t need Congress. If you (Congress) don’t want to prove to be B team of BJP, it’s time to join hands. National leaders need to open eyes taking clue from Bihar election. RJD could have led a mahagatbandan government if disproportionate demands for ticket had not been brought by one party,” the former deputy Chief Minister said.
“But by and large, the unity of regional forces only can defeat Modi. BJP at present is a sinking ship in Goa. Dr Pramod Sawant cannot run the government. And national parties cannot hear people’s demand. Regional parties also can go alone,” he added.
Sardesai was speaking during a function to induct social worker from Pernem Adv Jitendra Gaonkar into GFP. The president said that Gaonkar would be their candidate for upcoming polls.
The GFP was a constituent of two BJP governments in the State before it was unceremoniously dropped in 2019.
The Fatorda MLA said the alliance partners should have decided seat sharing agreements depending on “proportionate strength in each of the Assembly constituencies.”
Sardesai advised the opposition parties not to wait to announce their candidates at the eleventh hour. The GFP leader said his party has already announced list of its candidates in various constituencies in advance.
