PANAJI
A day after Minister Atanasio Monserrate (Babush) announced opening BJP office at St Cruz -- prompting 2027 poll speculations, St Cruz MLA Rodolfo Fernandes hit back at the move, stating the politically motivated decision was intended to interfere with the developmental works undertaken in his constituency.
Responding to media queries on Saturday, Fernandes said he had no objection to political offices being opened in St Cruz, but questioned why the same party required two offices within a single Assembly constituency.
"I have no issue with anyone opening an office in St Cruz, but I don't see the need for two offices of the same political party (BJP) in one constituency," he said.
Fernandes also levelled allegations against Monserrate’s personal assistant, claiming the individual was attempting to create obstacles to projects being executed under his leadership.
Amid the public criticism, the BJP MLA maintained that his faith in the party leadership remained intact. “The BJP is a party of principles, and I have full faith in the party and the Chief Minister,” Fernandes said.
While Monserrate denied any clash with the St Cruz MLA, the decision has triggered friction between the two BJP MLAs over the same constituency.
Monserrate slammed the statement by his party colleague stating he has every right to open his office. "There is nothing wrong in serving the people. I don't know why anyone should get rattled. This is my office, not BJP... I may be a BJP MLA but I have every right to open my office wherever I want," he said, speaking to reporters.
