Margao: Goa Forward Party (GFP) on Sunday reiterated its commitment to a “united, secular alternative” under its “Goa First” position, amid speculation that it could reconsider its tie-up with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and reopen talks with Congress.The party’s statement came even as Congress said it remained open to an alliance with GFP.“Goa First, and a united, secular alternative for the people of Goa” remains the party’s position, GFP said in a statement. It said it was firmly committed to bringing together like-minded secular forces to offer Goa “a credible, inclusive, and people-centred alternative”.GFP described unity in the larger interest of Goa as both its priority and responsibility. “Until the party officially communicates otherwise, we request that any speculation as is presently set aside,” it said on its official social media handles.GFP recently joined hands with AAP under the “Goa First” banner.Speculation about a possible rethink followed a statement by GFP general secretary Prashant Naik, who, against the backdrop of developments on the anti-BJP political front, hinted at scope for a course correction.“We may have misread public sentiment, but there is no difficulty in correcting that mistake,” Naik said.He said Goans wanted unity among all opposition parties. “We had put alliance talks with Congress on hold, but a decision on whether to resume them will be taken soon,” he added.Senior Congress functionary M K Sheikh reiterated earlier on Sunday that the party remained open to an alliance with GFP. He said Congress would also consider any proposal from AAP if the party expressed interest.Sheikh said Goans wanted opposition parties to unite, and that Congress’s alliance strategy reflected this demand. Congress and Revolutionary Goans (RGP) have already announced that they have entered into an alliance “in principle”.
