PANJIM: After failing to forge alliance with NCP-Shiv Sena for the upcoming State Assembly elections, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Goa election observer P Chidambaram said the party would continue to explore opportunities to “work together” post elections.
Elections in Goa are scheduled on February 14. The Congress is fighting elections in alliance with Goa Forward Party (GFP), wherein the regional political outfit is given three seats.
Similarly, NCP and Shiv Sena are contesting together on 12 seats, each.
Chidambaram said the NCP and Shiv Sena are the Congress’ allies in Maharashtra and would have liked them to be allies in Goa as well but despite best efforts that could not take shape.
“We tried. NCP-Shiv Sena made certain proposals and we too had certain proposals for them. Unfortunately, there was no meeting point,” he said.
“Nevertheless, we are friends and will remain friends. After the elections, we will continue to explore opportunities to work together with NCP and Shiv Sena,” senior congress leader added.
After the 2019 Assembly elections in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena joined hands with the NCP and the Congress, to form a government, which was given the name Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
Chidambaram once again expressed his displeasure over Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) approach for alliance as they continue to poach their leaders despite an offer for tie-up.
“They (TMC) entered Goa a few months ago and my distinguished friend, Mamata ji, declared in Goa that Trinamool had formed an alliance and any other party was welcome to join their alliance and then suddenly they said to contest all 40 seats. Then, they lured Congress MLA, workers to the party,” he explained.
He also said there were no instructions from the party high command to hold talks with TMC.
TMC has joined hands with MGP for Goa polls. TMC is contesting on 26 seats while MGP on 13.
