PANAJI: Senior leader of the Congress party Ramakant Khalap has claimed that the 2017 state assembly elections will be a straight contest between the Congress and the alliance of RSS rebel, Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP).
Khalap said that the people of Goa would throw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the third position for going back on its 2012 poll promises.
Khalap addressing the media said that the Congress party will come back to power as the BJP will be relegated to a pathetic third position for their U-turns and arrogant attitude.
He said “BJP has resorted to condemnable acts and the result will be seen during the coming elections.”
Khalap claimed “Our main fight will be with the rebel RSS (GSM)-MGP alliance, who would ultimately have to satisfy itself at the second position. As per the current political mood, Congress party is in a very commendable position. The party is working in full strength in all 40 constituencies and it is confident of winning the 2017 polls. We are the only option for the people of Goa today.”
Acknowledging the fact that the Congress in the state has been facing dissenting voices within the party, he said that the ongoing internal conflict between BJP and rebel RSS group led by Subhash Velingkar will lead to a split of votes.
Stating that the district committees have shortlisted the candidates and the state committee is in the process of further scrutinising the list, the former union minister said that the Congress party may have to forge an alliance in some constituencies.
“Our districts have prepared the list of probable candidates and in some places we have single proposals while in some we need to decide on the candidates. However, there could be some constituencies where we might have to have an understanding with others”, he stated.