Congress in Goa to finalise name of LS candidates within 5-6 days

Responding to questions during a press conference held at party state headquarters in the city, Mr Chodankar said as many as 20 applications had been received for two Lok Sabha seats in the state and the party might recommend three names for the two seats.

''Congress is the first national party which has released name of candidates much before other parties have done. ..I think in next five to six days we should be able to release the names,'' he said.

To a question, Mr Chodankar said the party would like to have combination of young face and experienced leaders.

''We just cannot please someone that we have to go with young face. There is enthusiasm in senior leaders with the experience they possess. We have to take everyone together. Its like a family,'' he said.

The Congress leader said that the party would definitely like to promote women and if possible could give tickets to women candidates for both the Lok Sabha seats in the state.

''If we have capable women candidates we would be more than happy to give the tickets,'' he said.

There are two Lok Sabha seats in Goa and both are represented by Bharatiya Janata Party MPs.

He said names of candidates for Lok Sabha seats would be announced first and names of candidates for assembly by-elections later.

Three assembly seats have fallen vacant following resignation of two Congress MLAs and demise of a BJP MLA.