'BJP will come to power in Punjab, Uttarakhand'

BJP President Nitin Gadkari says the Assembly elections in five states were a semi-final ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

BJP President Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said the Assembly elections in five states were a semi-final ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

The current phase of Assembly elections was a semi-final ahead of the general elections in 2014. The BJP is sure to have its Government in Punjab and Uttarakhand, he told reporters in Panaji.

While voting has already taken place in Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Goa will go to the polls in February-March.

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The BJP expects a verdict in its favour in politically important Uttar Pradesh, Gadkari said.

About Goa, he said the party, through its pre-poll alliance with regional outfit Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), is confident of getting a majority in the 40-member Assembly.

"Goa has a potential of good governance. Our party has assured good governance and development in the state."

BJP has entered into a seat-sharing agreement with MGP for the March 3 polls. MGP will contest in eight seats and BJP in 31. Both parties will support an independent candidate in Cumbharjua constituency.