Not Interested In Joining Any Coalition In Goa, Says Congress

A day after Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut predicted that after Maharashtra, there could ‘be a miracle’ in Goa, the state Congress ruled out joining any front to topple the BJP government in the state. Congress’s Goa unit president Girish Chodankar said his party will prefer to be in opposition rather than trying to poach ruling party MLAs. “I would be happy to see the BJP government fall down in Goa. But there is no such possibility as BJP has support of 30 MLAs (in 40-member Assembly). I would rather prefer to sit in opposition than toppling government,” Chodankar said.

Sanjay Raut’s statement came after Goa Forward Party President, Vijay Sardesai, along with three of his party MLAs met Shiv Sena leader in Mumbai and discussed the political situation in the state.

"At least 4 MLAs, including those with GFP President Vijay Sardesai, are in contact with Shiv Sena. I have also spoken with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party chief Sudhin Dhavlikar. A few other MLAs who are supporting the Goa government are in touch," Raut said.

"The Goa government was installed unethically We plan to form a separate front in that state with various parties, including Congress. There will be big political churning there and we are hopeful that there could be a 'miracle' soon in Goa also," Raut added.

Raut said those accusing the Sena of allying with NCP-Congress should realise that the Goa government led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has also allied with corrupt elements which has not gone down well with the people of that state.

Speaking briefly with the media, Sardesai -- former Goa Deputy Chief Minister -- said that "we will try to do a repeat of Maharashtra in Goa".

"We are a regional party Our opinion is that what has happened in Maharashtra should be emulated elsewhere in India. We shall tie up with Shiv Sena, NCP and other parties to form a powerful front," Sardesai added.