The BJP is smug in the belief that it is once again nearing the end of the winding road to power in Goa. Besides banking on the charisma of ex-CM Manohar Parrikar, the saffron party is confident that the scam-hit Congress will drown by itself in the Mandovi.


However, the political equations in the state ensure that it will not be a smooth sailing for the party. For one, the internal tussle between Parrikar and North Goa MP Shripad Naik may boil over after reports suggested that Naik is ‘interested’ in contesting from Porvorim.


The anti-Naik camp has reasons to be worried and is reportedly working the phone lines to BJP HQ to prevent his entry into state politics.


However, the party leadership seems to be still backing Parrikar for the top job as he does enjoy popular support as is evident by the response to his `Jana Sampark Abhiyaan`.


On the electoral front, the BJP is close to striking a deal with the MGP and other like-minded parties to cut Congress’ votes in the state, besides banking on the anti-incumbency factor.


However, it would be premature to write off Congress just yet, despite the problems being faced by to get its alliance with the NCP working again.


The grand-old party vote base appears to be more or less intact unless the NGOs fighting the polls throw a spanner in the works.