Setback to BJP as Shiv Sena forms alliance with MGP, GSM ahead of Goa polls

In a major setback to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena along with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and the Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) on Tuesday announced alliance ahead of Goa assembly elections.

The decision comes days after Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) withdrew its support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Goa, declaring declared Sudin Dhavalikar as its chief ministerial candidate in the upcoming assembly polls.

The break-up of the alliance was informed by the MGP in a letter issued to Goa Governor Mridula Sinha.

The Election Commission of India on January 4 announced seven-phase polling for 403 assembly constituencies in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, two-phase polling in Manipur and one-phase polling each in the states of Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa respectively.

Goa will vote in a single-phase on February 4. The date of notification is January 11, the last date of nomination is January 18, the scrutiny of nomination will take place on January 19 and the withdrawal of candidature will take place on January 21.