Panaji, Apr 23 (TOI): TheBJP and Goa Forward Party (GFP) appear to have locked horns over the allotment of chairmanships of Goa's planning and development authorities (PDAs).

BJP sources said that town and country planning minister Vijai Sardesai has demanded that all PDA chairmanships be given to GFP.

Those close to Sardesai claim that the TCP minister is keen on retaining hold over the three PDAs on the argument that "each PDA cannot function independently of the TCP ministry".

While it is yet to finalize who will be given charge of the PDAs, a senior BJP leader said chief minister Manohar Parrikar may not allot all three chairmanships of PDAs to GFP as it has already received three cabinet berths.

When contacted, Sardesai told STOI denied that GFP has asked for chairmanships of all PDAs. He also pointed out that the BJP has to accommodate their MLAs by appointing them as PDA chairmen.

"I have not demanded anything from the CM. It is his prerogative," he added.

Goa has three PDAs including North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA), South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) and Mormugao Planning and Development Authority. Last time, NGPDA was headed by Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, SGPDA was headed by then Congress MLA and panchayat minister Mauvin Godinho and Mormugao PDA was headed by Carlos Almeida.

Sources said Lobo may retain the NGPDA and that the SGPDA is likely to go to GFP.

As planning bodies, PDAs have to scientifically prepare outline development plans (ODPs), considering various issues and stakeholders.

But, citizens have been critical of their functioning as they have only been revisiting ODPs, but not preparing comprehensive development plans (CDPs) after every 10 years.