Babush to 'merge'
into Churchill
Sandesh Prabhudesai
8 July 2007
New political equations are emerging in Goa with one-member
United Goans Democratic Party led by Babush Monseratte is
set to merge into Churchill Alemao's two-member Save Goa Front.
Monseratte denies it to be a step forward towards toppling
the existing Congress-led ruling alliance. "It's time
for the regional forces to come together", he claims.
Alemao however did not deny the possibility, in his own style.
"Something will definitely happen since we are coming
together," he quipped.
Both the regional parties are slated to meet on Thursday
to take a final decision in this regard.
UGDP secretary general Anacleto Viegas however has denied
of having any knowledge in this regard.
"I agree that regional force needs to be strengthened.
But we have not discussed the issue till date", he said.
The Congress-led ruling alliance consists of the following
partners: Congress - 16, Nationalist Congress Party - 3, Maharashtrawadi
Gomantak Party - 2 and Independent - 1. The total is 22 in
the 40-member House.
The opposition consists of BJP - 14, Save Goa Front - 2,
UGDP - 1 and independent - 1, making it 18.
Reliable sources in the UGDP however reveal that the merger
is nothing but a confidence-building exercise, before making
any moves to topple the Digambar Kamat government.
Since the three-member NCP has refused to withdraw from the
government, the two heavyweights are trying to woo at least
three disgruntled Congress legislators.
The proposal is to make them resign and face by-elections
while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party will not field
its candidate, making it a straight fight to win the seats.
The duo learnt to have been thus talking to Victoria Fernandes
(St Cruz), Agnel Fernandes (Calangute) and Francisco Silveira
(St Andre). Incidentally, all three have not accepted the
offer of chairmanship or the post of parliamentary secretary
till date.
Attempts are also on to talk to Curchorem MLA Shyam Satardekar,
who has publicly rejected Kamat's offer to become the South
Goa Planning and Development Authority chairman, revealed
the sources.
Sources close to Monseratte also confirm that he met Rudolph
Fernandes, son of his arch rival Victoria, to patch up their
differences and come together to topple the government.
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