GFP: Decision on alliance with TMC in 15 days

Panaji: Prashant Kishore-led Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) has approached Goa Forward Party (GFP) seeking some sort of collaboration for the 2022 assembly elections with a formal announcement expected within a fortnight, said GFP working president and former Tivim MLA Kiran Kandolkar.

Kandolkar and GFP organisational secretary Durgadas Kamat said that the contours of the probable tie-up are still being discussed.

“I-PAC approached us. We have not spoken to TMC,” said Kandolkar, adding, “Goa has Shantadurga, who is peaceful but Goa needs Durga of Bengal to send the demon of BJP home. The political situation will be clear by Diwali.”

On October 12, TOI had reported that GFP was making overtures towards TMC by promising “a new dawn” and an alternative to BJP and Congress.

GFP president Vijai Sardesai said that Goa needs “street fighters” to take on BJP, an indirect reference to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Kandolkar confirmed that talks are on and that no decision has been taken. Kandolkar said that GFP is talking to its workers and office bearers to identify the best way to form an alternate political force to take on BJP.

“Whether to have an alliance, to merge or to take over the TMC, nothing has been discussed and we will talk to our karyakartas. Our talks are on. People are looking for a new alternative and we feel this could be it,” Kandolkar said.

He further blamed Congress for vacillating regarding an alliance and said that GFP can no longer afford to wait for Congress to make up its mind.