Battle of nerves for BJP & Congress to form government By Mayuresh Pawar, Panaji, June 1, 2005:
Political parties are claiming their victories in the bye-elections for the five assembly constituencies, but it seems to be a 'battle of nerves' for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress to form the government. Normally, the bye-elections are taken so seriously. But this time, the situation is completely different from the normal ones. Political bigwigs from both, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress marked their presence for the electioneering campaigns. The BJP on other hand has been beating the drums of victory in all the five seats, today claimed that they would win only four segments and the Benaulim constituency would go for the United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP). In this regard, Digital Goa interacted with the BJP stalwarts--former chief minister Manohar Parrikar and BJP president Rajendra Arlekar--who stated that their 'lotus' cannot bloom in the Benaulim seat. "After conducting extensive campaign in all the five assembly segments, we realized that the BJP will win only four seats," the confident Arlekar. According to BJP sources, the UGDP will tie-up with the BJP and form the government under the leadership of Manohar Parrikar. "It's the matter of formation of the government and we are confident that my government will be in power," former chief minister Manohar Parrikar said adding, "People want to see our government in power." Congress spokesman, Jitendra Deshprabhu said, "The BJP has 'looted and scooted' the people of Goa in the name of development, you tell me why the people should franchise their precious votes for the BJP." He further said that the Congress will provide the stability in the State henceforth. "We will expose the BJP, who swindle the government treasury and the people's money." It looks a joke when the Congress speaks about bringing stability to the Goan Democracy. There are already five contenders from the Congress camp--Babush Monserrate, Isidore Fernandes, Dayanand Narvekar, Luizinho Faleiro, Pratapsingh Rane--who wish to become the chief minister of Goa. However, Deshprabhu maintained that the High Command will take the appropriate decision to choose the leader. He certainly made it clear that the Rane is not there leader. When asked about his interest to be the chief minister, Deshprabhu keeping silence for a while said, "I can't think of that. There are senior leaders in the party and one of them will be chosen as our leader." Congress leader Shantaram Naik was very optimistic to claim that the Congress would win all the seats. "Our government is ruling at the Centre and we are sure of getting back to the power in Goa as well," he said. Replying to a question, Naik disagreed to the reports of Churchill working against the Congress-NCP alliance. Five assembly segments--Taleigao, Cumbharjuem, Margao, Benaulim and Poinguinim--goes to the poll on June 2 and the results will be declared on June 5. And then, the number game will begin in search of a new government. - Forwarded by http://www.goa-world.com/ Team
