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Last-ditch attempt on to forge MGP-BJP alliance

Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panaji

Last minute attempts are still on to forge an alliance between the two major anti-Congress parties -- the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Bharatiya Janata Party -- in Goa for the ensuing state assembly elections.

Common friends of the BJP and MGP, both of whom are trying hard to retain their hold on the majority Hindu community, are finding it extremely difficult to bridge the gap as relations between senior leaders of the two parties are strained almost to the point of no return.

The BJP could make its debut in the 40-member Goa assembly with four seats in the 1994 polls only because of its alliance with the MGP. But the two parties fought the two subsequent Lok Sabha elections independently.

The saffron party, which had contested 12 seats last time, is now asking for an equal share. The MGP, on the other hand, has been offered only nine constituencies though it had won 12 seats in 1994.

State BJP leaders are currently in Delhi to seek the party leadership's consent to field 34 candidates, in case the talks fail. The MGP is also busy finalising its list as the last date to file nominations is just two days away.

The MGP has put a precondition that the chief minister would be from its side. Goa's oldest regional party has also rejected the BJP's proposal to have seat adjustments in 21 constituencies and a friendly contest in the remaining 19. They are pressing for a full-fledged alliance.

If the talks fail, the MGP is planning to revive its regional front comprising the Goa Rajiv Congress and United Goans Democratic Party. The GRC, led by former Congressman Wilfred de Souza, however, would be left in the cold if the alliance works out.

The UGDP, which has considerable influence in at least six to eight constituencies in the Catholic-dominated areas of Salcete, has decided to go it alone. The party rightly fears that the Catholic Church would divert all anti-Congress votes back to the national party in case it goes in for a tie-up.

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