Goa Congress is in touch with AAP candidates, a day ahead of counting of votes on Thursday and in anticipation of a hung Assembly. Sources told CNN-News18 that the state unit has promised him a ministry in case he wins and supports or even joins the party. Sources said the Grand Old Party is also in touch with the Trinamool Congress.
Exit polls have predicted a close contest between the BJP and the Congress in Goa, with the 2017 results being re-run. The elections in Goa, spiced up by the entry of Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP and Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, have turned into a direct fight between the Congress and the BJP if the numbers are to be believed. A party needs 21 seats to win a decisive victory in the 40-member assembly.
A source claimed that AAP and TMC had already declared their support to the Congress. The source added that if the party can keep its flock together, it can get good support.
According to sources, some leaders of Maharashtra and Karnataka Congress are already in Goa with AAP candidates and many are also switching off their phones. Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar will be the special observer in Goa in view of the poaching rumours.
Meanwhile, BJP has called a meeting of its candidates in Goa. Congress has asked its candidates to stay in the hotel till the results are out.
Congress held a meeting at a beach resort, appealing to its candidates not to fall prey to poaching. Sources said the high command has advised party leaders to remain united.
Earlier, when asked whether he was ready for an alliance with the Congress, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said that people should vote for the AAP and elect a majority government in Goa and Uttarakhand. He had also said that if people vote for Congress, then all will join BJP after the result is declared.
(with inputs from Herman Agnello Gomes)
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