The proposed alliance between Congress and MGP was confirmed by Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Luizinho Faleiro. Though he refused to comment on it, Faleiro admitted that the alliance would further increase the number of contenders for Assembly tickets. "The Congress has its supporters in every Assembly constituency," Faleiro said.

Faleiro told the media that Congress president Sonia Gandhi was trying to ensure that no dissidents spoiled the party's chances by accommodating all the faction leaders. AICC general secretaries Goind Rao Adhik and Mabel Rebello have been appointed observers.They would, in turn, appoint a five-member committee to ensure that the demands of various faction leaders are accommodated.

Faleiro who says he would go to the polls demanding a clear mandate, however, did not deny that the Congress would spurn the support of any rebel candidate who makes it to the Assembly if required. "If a rebel gets elected and supports Congress it is because of his love for the party," Faleiro said.

With several Congressmen returning to the party fold in the past few months there are several contenders for party tickets in the June 4 Assembly polls.