Congress-NCP to have pre-poll alliance in Goa

PANAJI: Goa Congress today said that it will have a pre-poll tie with the NCP for the forthcoming assembly elections in the state scheduled on March 3.

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Subhash Shirodkar said the Congress-NCP high command will meet in Delhi tomorrow to decide on seat sharing amongst both the partners.

"NCP has asked for around 12 seats out of 40 constituencies. The final decision would be taken by high command as to how much seats can be spared," he told reporters here.

Shirodkar said the party is also in talks with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) for a pre-poll alliance.

He said Congress has already began its preparation for the polls.

"We have already started receiving applications from the aspirants," he said, adding that the last date to accept the nominations is tomorrow.

"Even if a leader is a sitting MLA or minister, he will have to fill the form and submit it to party office in Panaji," Shirodkar said, while conceding that only one minister Manohar Asgaonar, who handles the panchayat portfolio, has filled the form till now from the current ruling lot.

Shirodkar said he has agreed to step aside and pave way for another leader to head Goa Congress unit as he is contesting from Shiroda constituency.

"I have already made my wish clear that someone who is not contesting the election should take over the reigns of the party," he said.