PANAJI
Accusing the BJP of virtually forcing him to leave the party, Vasco BJP Carlos Almeida on Tuesday resigned as MLA and from the party.
He is the second legislator from Mormugao to quit the party after Alina Saldanha had also resigned from the party and as MLA.
With seven legislators having resigned within the last few months, the strength of 40-member Goa Legislative Assembly has now been reduced to 33.
Sources said Almeida is likely to join the Trinamool Congress (TMC), but Almeida said he would take a decision after consulting his supporters.
Almeida submitted his resignation as MLA to the Legislature Secretary and also resigned from the primary membership of BJP.
Almeida’s decision to quit the party was linked to the induction of his rival, Krishna (Daji) Salkar, into the BJP at a grand function a few days ago.
"BJP leaders Satish Dhond and Deepak Naik have told me that the party ticket will be for Daji Salkar and not me,” said Almeida, who served as MLA of Vasco for two terms.
Almeida said he had problems working under Salkar in the BJP and that was one of the reasons for him to quit the party.
"I have unearthed a scam linking Salkar. The BJP has taken him into the party and I have been told to work under him. How will I work under him,” said Almeida.
“I have not done anything against BJP and have had good relations since Parrikar’s association with the BJP. But the present BJP leaders have systematically side-lined me on the pretext of winnability and health issues.”
"The BJP does not want me and they have forced me to leave the party. They claim that I am unwell and not capable. So, let us see what happens in the polls,” Almeida told media persons.
He alleged that Parrikar loyalists in the BJP party were systematically being targeted and side-lined.
When asked which party he would seek to join, Almeida said he had had meetings with TMC leaders and leaders from other parties.
“I will have a meeting with my workers and then decide on the party,” said Almeida.
Almeida made it clear that he did not want to form a group against the BJP.
"I don't want to make a group as I have made decisions based on my personal capacity,” said Almeida.
Almeida said he is confident of winning the 2022 elections in Vasco constituency.
"During the Vasco Municipal Council, we won in nine of the 11 wards which fall in Vasco constituency. We have won the semi-final and now, it will be easier to win the final,” said Almeida.
