This story is from September 27, 2016

Now, Cong open to pre-poll alliance

After opposing pre-poll alliance for the 2017 assembly elections in Goa for some months now, the Congress seems to have come to terms that a tie-up with some parties maybe the best option to take on the BJP.
Now, Cong open to pre-poll alliance
Panaji: After opposing pre-poll alliance for the 2017 assembly elections in Goa for some months now, the Congress seems to have come to terms that a tie-up with some parties maybe the best option to take on the BJP.
Fuelling speculation that the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee was in talks for an alliance ahead of the elections, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary and Goa desk-in-charge Digvijaya Singh categorically stated that he had not received any representation from grassroots leaders against a pre-poll alliance.
Despite block level workers making clear their opposition to any pre-poll alliance, the Congress has till now shied away from taking a decision.
“Don’t give the figures of 37 blocks (opposing a pre-poll alliance). These are wrong figures. There is no resolution that has come to us,” Singh told reporters after the state election committee meeting.
Compared to his earlier statements, Singh appeared to be veering towards having a pre-poll understanding at a time when the party seems to be struggling to have a strong united force against the saffron brigade.
The Goa pradesh election committee (PEC) on Monday met under the leadership of Singh in the capital to take stock of preparations for upcoming polls. Since the success of the Bihar grand alliance, there have been several calls from political parties for a similar alliance in Goa to take on the BJP.
“I have said it from the very beginning, the final decision to have an alliance with any political party is with the central election committee, congress working committee not with the PCC,” Singh added.

Last week, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said that he had a meeting with Singh a clear indication of a bhai-bhai policy being initiated by the Congress with like-minded parties.
Besides, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a long time ally of the Congress, also said that it has decided to initiate talks with the Congress for the 2017 polls in Goa. The two had formed an alliance in the 2012 elections.
Though Singh refused to divulge what was discussed during the PEC meeting as deliberations were “confidential”, he did state that the party would announce names of candidates for the coming polls after the central pradesh committee took a decision. “We have to look at loyalty to party and credibility of candidates among the people,” Singh said.
Responding to a question on Congress’ stand on casinos, the veteran politician said that the Congress did not want Goa to be known for gambling and casinos. “As far as casinos are concerned, we don’t want Goa to become some kind of Macao. A comprehensive view has to be framed by the Congress party after consultation with the wider section of the people and our own senior leaders,” Singh said.
Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, who is a member of the Congress pradesh election committee (PEC), gave the meeting a miss.
“We have to keep the flock together. There may be some difference of opinion amongst us, but the discipline has to be there. Madkaikar is in touch with our pradesh Congress leaders,” Singh said while trying to quell reports that Madkaikar was on his way out. Madkaikar is one of the 17 members on the PEC, which was constituted in April this year.
There have been reports that Madkaikar was being enticed by the MGP and the BJP ahead of the 2017 polls. Madkaikar has himself voiced his inkling to join the MGP, but has yet to take a final call on his future plans.
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