the goan I network
MARGAO
The Congress-turned-BJP MLAs went into a tizzy after rumours did the rounds in political circles over the imminent induction of Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai in the Pramod Sawant-led government.
The reports came out of the blue for the former Congress MLAs, more so after having gone to the public a little over two months ago that they had all joined the BJP with the sole objective of dislodging Sardesai and the GFP from the coalition government.
As reports did the rounds across the state on Monday, the neo-BJP MLAs are believed to have approached party leaders, seeking clarification on the reports and the party’s stand on the question of inducting Sardesai in the Cabinet.
Sources disclosed that BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar and South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar were the two party leaders contacted by some of the anxious MLAs on Monday seeking clarifications on the reports, only to be reassured that nothing has been decided on the question of induction new ministers or dropping the existing members. Reassured by the party leadership, some of these MLAs are believed to have then told their workers there’s no plan in the offing to get the GF Chief into the Cabinet.
One of the MLAs told The Goan that they will have no face to remain in the BJP if the Goa Forward Party is back in the government as a coalition partner. “We had told our workers, supporters and the people at large that we have all gone to the BJP to oust Sardesai from the government. Will we have any face to show the people if the very person is brought back in the Cabinet?” questioned an MLA.
Saxtti MLAs, including Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’Sa and Cuncolim MLA Clafacio Dias, had been more vocal in their tirade against the Goa Forward in order to justify their defection from the Congress.
When The Goan called up ex-MP and BJP leader Narendra Sawaikar, he pointed out that the neo-MLAs have been assured that there’s no truth in the reports on the induction of the Goa Forward Chief in the Cabinet.
Party President Vinay Tendulkar, who was holed up in Mangalore on Monday, is also believed to have assured the MLAs that nothing has
been decided by the party leadership.
“When I received a couple of calls from the new MLAs as well as from our party workers, I told them nothing has been decided on the question of inducting anyone from the regional parties into the Cabinet,” Vinay told
The Goan.
