Goa, Jan 17 (PTI): Three Independent MLAs in Goa today demanded an apology from Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) for favouring the merger of the then Union Territory with Maharashtra in an opinion poll conducted exactly 49 years ago.

The legislators made the demand a day after MGP leader and Minister Ramakrishna Dhavalikar sought an apology from Portugal for their "oppressive" rule in Goa, their former colony liberated in 1961 by Indian armed forces.

The country's first-ever opinion poll was held in Goa on January 16, 1967 to decide whether the then Union Territory should remain a separate geographic entity or merge with Maharashtra. A majority of people voted against the merger. Goa became a full-fledged State in 1987.

MGP, Goa's oldest political party which is now part of the BJP-led ruling coalition, had favoured Goa's merger with the adjoining State.

"Before we ask Portugal to apologise let MGP apologise to the Goans for their role during opinion poll and their efforts to merge the State with Maharashtra," said Vijai Sardessai, an Independent legislator.

Sardessai was addressing a press conference flanked by Rohan Khaunte and Naresh Sawal, the two other Independent MLAs who have sought an apology from MGP for its stand.

MGP leaders, including Dhavalikar, were unavailable for their comments on the issue.

Speaking in the Assembly yesterday, Dhavalikar had said the Portuguese must tender an apology to Goans for their "oppressive" rule in the State lasting over 450 years.

He was participating in a motion moved to congratulate Goa-origin politician Antonio Costa on being elected as Portugal's Prime Minister