Panaji: Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh will be in Goa on a two-day visit from September 23, amid rumours that three MLAs want to quit the party ahead of the state polls due next year.
“Singh would be arriving in Goa on September 23 and will participate in an event of Seva Dal. Next day, he will hold a crucial meeting with the party leaders,” a senior Congress functionary told PTI today.
Congress legislators Pandurang Madkaikar and Chandrakant Kavalekar said that they have kept their “option open” to join hands with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) during the forthcoming polls.
Speculations are also rife that Congress MLA Vishwajit Rane may quit the party to contest election on the ticket of Sattari Yuva Morcha, an organisation floated by him.
“Singh will meet all the leaders during his visit. The discussions will be centered around recent news that are being floated about Congress legislators intending to quit the party,” the functionary said.
Talks about forming an alliance are also likely to be held during the party national general secretary’s visit, he said adding “some like-minded parties have already offered to join hands with Congress for the Goa polls.”
MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar has already announced that they are in talks with Madkaikar to join MGP and contest from Cumbharjua seat.
“I am not happy in Congress. I have a standing offer from MGP. But before deciding anything I will consult my workers,” Madkaikar told PTI today.
Kavalekar, representing Congress from Quepem constituency, also said, “There needs a lot to be done by Congress to make sure that they win the next election.”
“There are some offers for me, but I have to do what my workers say,” he said.
Rane was not available for comments, though sources close to him claimed that he is not happy with Congress’ delay in deciding on alliance with like-minded parties.
(Sourced from agencies, Feature image courtesy:oneindia.com)
