BJP or Congress: How the numbers add up in Goa

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar may be back in Goa to stake a claim to form the next government in the state. With Goa throwing up a split verdict, back door negotiations are on to form the next government with both the BJP and Congress going all guns blazing.

The Congress however may have the edge since the Goa Forward Party with three seats comprises former Congressmen. There is an indication that the party may just tilt towards the Congress. MGP, the other player has also governed with the Congress in the past.

In Goa, the Congress won 17 out of the 40 seats while the BJP bagged 13. The BJP has the support of one independent candidate. The MGP has 3 seats whole the GFP and NCP have 3 and 1 seats respectively. The MGP is an erstwhile ally of the BJP.

The GFP is a crucial player in this race and according to its leader Prashant Naik, all options are open. Both the BJP and the Congress are wooing the GFP. The BJP's Calungate MLA, Michael Lobo said that he has already met with the GFP's Vijay Sardesai and if the need be, the BJP would seek his support.

The three independent candidates Rohan Khaunte backed by Congress, Govind Gawde backed by BJP and Prasad Gaonkar will also play a crucial role in the formation of the next Goa government. It would be interesting to see which way the MGP would go. If the MGP backs the BJP along with Khaunte and Gaonkar then the BJP is through.

However if the MGP and the GFP backs the Congress then it will be a Congress government in Goa. However for the Congress it would be a tough call as sources indicate that the MGP would seek its CM candidate if it extends support to the party.

OneIndia News