MGP dismisses reports of merger with BJP

The Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) today rubbished reports that it would merge with the BJP at its general body meeting slated for December 17.
The MGP held an emergency meeting of its top leaders after some sections of media reported about the likely merger of the Goa's oldest regional party with the BJP.
MGP is part of the ruling coalition headed by the saffron party under Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
"News about MGP's merger with any party is false. There is no such proposal," MGP president Dipak Dhavlikar told reporters in presence of party leaders including his brother and State Transport Minister Sudin Dhavlikar.

He clarified that the party's general body would meet for extending the tenure of the existing state executive by another two years.
Scotching the merger reports, MGP chief said his party was the oldest regional political front in Goa and has been represented in the State Legislative Assembly since 1963 when the first election took place after liberation of Goa.

Dayanand Bandodkar (MGP) was the first chief minister of Goa, Daman and Diu.
"Ours is a party which is deeply-rooted in the state's politics and society. At no time, we will ever think of merging it (the party)," Dipak Dhavlikar said.

He said reports about the "merger" were being circulated to create "unnecessary panic" among party workers.
He said the MGP would remain intact.
Dhavalikar recalled that the MGP had polled 12-13 per cent votes during the Assembly elections held earlier this year.
He said the party will continue contesting all the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, Sudin Dhavalikar claimed the Congress had made a offer to him in 2005 and 2017 to merge his party, which he turned down.
MGP currently has three MLAs in the 40-member House.