Digambar cornered
by NCP, Victoria
Sandesh Prabhudesai
28 June 2007
The Nationalist Congress Party has threatened to withdraw
from the Congress-led ruling alliance over the issue of portfolio
while Congress legislator Victoria Fernandes has continued
her fast over not granting her a cabinet berth.
Revenue minister Jose Philip D'Souza today told reporters
that the NCP has served 24-hour deadline to withdraw from
the government if he is not granted the portfolio of urban
development.
Kamat however later told the media that the issue has been
resolved amicably. He also ruled out the possibility of changing
the urban development portfolio.
According to the chief minister, the portfolio has been retained
with Congress legislator Joaquim Alemao since he was holding
it in the previous government.
Kamat had a meeting with NCP Goa chief Dr Wilfred de Souza
at his Saligao residence, along with all the three NCP MLAs
- revenue minister D'Souza, tourism minister Micky Pacheco
and Tivim MLA Nilkanath Halarnkar.
The chief minister also dismissed D'Souza's contention that
he has been served a deadline in this regard.
On the other hand, Victoria today shifted back from the city
hospital to the Panaji jetty, near the old Secretariat, stating
that she would continue her fast-unto-death till her demands
are met.
Her constituency members had announced two days ago withdrawal
of the fast, stating that Kamat has agreed to take up all
the developmental works in St Cruz constituency on priority
basis.
Kamat had also assured her the post of a parliamentary secretary
and chairpersonship of a corporation.
However, Kamat was suddenly gheraoed today evening near the
jetty, where Victoria's supporters had continued demonstrations
after she was shifted to the hospital. They became furious
after Victoria returned to the venue.
Kamat, who was not allowed to come out of the old secretariat
building, was finally rescued out by the police.
He has assured Victoria to convey her feelings to the high
command.
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