from Daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Jun 28: Yet to come out from bitter memories of political back stabbing, the BJP in Goa has decided that they would contest next year's Goa State Assembly elections on its own.

"At this juncture we feel that we will take on elections on our own and most probably the stand will continue till last," BJP Goa chief Rajendra Arlekar stated after declaring the formation of a 17-member election committee headed by Member of Parliament Shripad Naik for the polls.

The BJP had faced a setback when its own ally Maharashtrawadi Gomantak party along with few BJP legislators had pulled down the Manohar Parrikar led government in the state.

Briefing reporters in presence of Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar and Naik, Arlekar said that his party would highlight Pratapsingh Rane-led Congress government's "non-performance" in the state as a major issue for the election "besides other planks".

"Development would be the main criteria for the party," the senior BJP leader said.

Parrikar said that few non-BJP politicians are trying to form third front.

"They want plum portfolios hence they will not mind forming a third front...Such attempts are done during every elections but this time they are more vigorous," the former chief minister said.