Panaji: Goa Forward Party (GFP) has suspended talks on an opposition alliance for the upcoming assembly elections, saying it will instead focus on strengthening its organisation across all 40 assembly constituencies.The decision was taken at the party’s Political Affairs Committee meeting on Wednesday.“Our political affairs committee has decided to suspend alliance talks for now. We are not going ahead with discussions with any party at present. Our focus will be on strengthening the party and its organisation,” GFP general secretary Mohandas Lolienkar said. He clarified that the talks have been “suspended, not ended”, and that GFP remains in its existing alliance with Congress.GFP president Vijai Sardesai said he is tired of prolonged discussions over an opposition alliance and seat-sharing. While reiterating that defeating BJP remains his priority, Sardesai said that Congress has “cheated the people of Goa twice” and his party may have to go ahead “independently”.Lolienkar alleged that Congress was trying to create the impression that Sardesai was unwilling to cooperate with the opposition. The latest friction followed a communication mix-up over an opposition meeting convened by leader of opposition Yuri Alemao on Monday. Party workers said relations had already been strained since Alemao referred to Sardesai as “Judas” in March.GFP office-bearer Vikas Bhagat said the party will hold meetings and rallies in all 40 constituencies, and resume inducting new members. “We had halted the induction of several members to avoid clashes with Congress, but now we will continue with these inductions,” said Bhagat.Sardesai is also expected to tour the five constituencies in Kushawati district before the monsoon session of the assembly.
