The delimitation commission may reconsider some its proposals for realignment of assembly constituencies before it comes down to Goa in May for a public hearing on the issue.
Several leaders of political parties had rushed to Delhi for Wednesday's meeting of the commission, which was attended by the associate members - five MLAs and two MPs - anxious about the panel's proposal to reconstitute over 80 per cent of the assembly segments.
The commission heard some suggestions by the associate members and also the complaints by Congress leader Luizinho Faleiro and NCP leader Dr Wilfred de Souza, both former chief ministers of the state.
After hearing their views, sources said the commission decided to meet on March 18 to review some of its original proposal.
Sources indicated that there was unanimity among the associate members on reconstitution of almost 10 assembly segments each in the Panaji (north Goa) and Mormugao (south Goa) parliamentary constituencies, as well on scrapping Poinguinim constituency.
The members were against the commission's proposal to scrap three segments -- Mayem, Cumbarjua and Priol -- and that of creating a new constituency -- Sanquelim -- in north Goa.
The assembly segments on which there is unanimity are -- Pedne, Siolim, Tivim-Aldona, Calangute, Saligao, Penha da France, Paryem, Valpoi, Panaji and Taleigao in the north and Sanvordem, Sanguem, Quepem, Canacona, Mormugao, Vasco, Vaddem, Margao, Fatorda and Curchorem in the south.
The associate members also suggested major changes to some of proposed new segments -- Velim, Cuncolim, Curtorim, Navelim, Benaulim, Loutolim, St Cruz, St Andre, Old Goa and Dhargalim.
Acting on a complaint of uneven representation, the commission also directed the Goa speaker to take corrective measures by recommending afresh names of the associate members.
This is because in spite of the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress having 17 and 16 members, respectively in the 40-member house, the speaker had nominated only one Congressmen and totally ignored the smaller parties in favour of the BJP.
After the deliberations, the commission announced it would hold a day-long public hearing on all outstanding issues in Panaji on May 16.
