NCP to take on alliance partner Congress in Goa LS polls

PANAJI: In what could signal end of its long-standing alliance with Congress in Goa, the NCP today announced it will contest both the seats in Lok Sabha polls.

The NCP's announcement came hours after Congress short-listed its candidates for both the seats, shaking the long standing seat-sharing understanding between both the parties.

The North Goa seat has traditionally been contested by NCP, while South Goa by Congress.

"We have decided to contest both the seats. The formal announcement on the candidates is expected by March 19-20," NCP's Goa Chief spokesman Trojano D'Mello told PTI.

D'Mello, along with state desk incharge Dipak Kesarkar and party state chief Nilkant Halarnkar, met party chief Sharad Pawar and senior leader Praful Patel in Mumbai this morning.

The spokesman said, "the high command has allowed us to severe ties with the Congress and go ahead with contesting from both the seats".

Congress yesterday shortlisted candidature of Ravi Naik (North Goa) and Fransisco Sardinha (South Goa), while the formal announcement is expected anytime from now.

Goa sends two MPs to Lok Sabha. NCP sources stated that local leaders have recommended names of Nilkant Halarnkar and Yuri Alemao, son of former minister Joaquim Alemao, to contest from North and South seats, respectively.