Panaji, Dec 22 (TOI): With the proposed tieup between Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the 2017 polls, almost on the rocks, the Congress sees its chances have brightened for the battle.

In the last two days, senior leaders of the All India Congress committee (AICC) including general secretary Digvijaya Singh, secretary A Chella Kumar and others had rounds of meetings with state leaders to redraw up strategies for the polls.

Sources said Singh had a meeting with opposition leader Pratapsing Rane and Goa Pradesh Congress committee president Luizinho Faleiro.

Informal meetings were also held with Valpoi MLA Vishwajit Rane. Vishwajit Rane who was being made offers by the ruling dispensation, seems to have understood their game plan.

Considering his organizing capacity, the Congress high command intends to give additional responsibility to Vishwajit, sources in the party said.

Besides Valpoi constituency he currently represents and Poriem, the seat his father holds for the Congress, Vishwajit is likely to be given charge of three more constituencies - Sakhali, Bicholim and Mayem.Sources said that the AICC leaders and others seem to have convinced Vishwajit that the Congress has good chances to come back to power in a situation where MGP has virtually rattled the ruling party, at least for now.

Singh and others also held an informal meeting with St Cruz MLA Atanasio Monserrate alias Babush over dinner. Sources said that it was tentatively agreed that Monserrate would have an understanding with the Congress.

Monserrate has made his intentions clear to the Congress leaders that he is firm in contesting the Panaji seat, come what may. "I am firm in my decision", he said.

As per his plan, Monserrate''''s newly formed party will try to get 2-3 seats including Panaji as part of the tie up. He is staking claim for Cortalim constituency, sources said.

Monserrate''''s wife Jennifer will contest from Taleigao on Congress ticket. Former sarpanch of St Cruz Tony Fernandes is proposed to be fielded as Congress nominee in the constituency Monserrate wants to vacate.

"If all goes well, we can concentrate on Tiswadi and bring more seats this time", Monserrrate said.