Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), alliance partner of BJP in Goa, today said the decision on continuing with the coalition with the saffron outfit would be taken only after announcement of state Legislative Assembly poll dates.
MGP, however, has said that they will retain the existing constituencies represented by them in the Assembly, if an alliance is forged with BJP.
"The central committee of the party has firmly resolved that the decision on alliance with BJP in Goa would be taken only after the Assembly election dates are announced," MGP President Dipak Dhavalikar told PTI today.
Recently, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar had said his BJP wants to continue its alliance with MGP for the upcoming polls.
Goa polls are due before March 2017.
"The talks on alliance will begin at least 2-3 months before the election. We have to come to consensus on seat sharing and other terms before actual announcement of the alliance," Dhavalikar, a minister in Parsekar-led government, said.
MGP which fought 2012 election in alliance with BJP had won three seats - Madkai, Priol and Ponda.
"The party has began its work in total 25 constituencies. The workers have already hit the ground. Our support base is increasing," he said.
Dhavalikar ruled out forging pre-poll tie with Congress or newly formed regional outfit like Goa Forward for the upcoming polls.
"Congress is not in a position to form government and parties like Goa Forward mushroom in the state during elections. No one takes them seriously," the MGP chief said.
He further said the party will retain the seats which were won during 2012 polls with them in case there's an alliance.
"Sudin Dhavalikar (Goa Transport Minister) will re-contest from Madkai, Lavu Mamlatdar (MLA) from Ponda and I will be in Priol constituency," he said.
"If Priol constituency is reserved for SC/ST then I will shift to Shiroda," Dhavalikar added.
