Goa polls 2017: Shiv Sena, Subhash Velingkar begin talks on seat-sharing

Rebel RSS leader Subhash Velingkar-led Goa Suraksha Manch and the Shiv Sena have begun discussions on seat-sharing for the state Assembly elections due next year. Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut and Velingkar met in Panaji on Friday and began discussions on the seat-sharing. The Sena has proposed to contest on 10 seats.

"Our leaders were of the opinion that the Sena should contest on three seats, Goa Praja party on two seats and 30 will be contested by them (GSM)," a senior GSM leader said.

All the parties have decided to keep the details of alliance talks under wraps till the final announcement, which is expected to happen after November 10. The leader said that Raut was not ready to accept only three seats and insisted that the party will contest at least on seven, he said.

However, at the meeting, which remained inconclusive, it was decided that GSM will hold its internal organisational meeting on November 8 wherein the discussion on seat-sharing would be taken up.

"The next meeting between GSM and Shiv Sena leaders is expected to happen on November 10," he said.

GSM is an offshoot of Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch, a front demanding mother tongue as medium of instruction in elementary education in Goa schools. The Shiv Sena has already announced its three candidates for the forthcoming polls. 

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had last month announced in-principle approval for alliance between GSM and his party for the forthcoming state elections.