Salcete's non-Cong players wary
of Babush's plan to float party
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Questions also raised whether Santa Cruz MLA is in bid to shed pro-BJP image before the electorate
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THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Salcete’s key non-Congress players preferred to tread on a cautious note on Babush Monserrate’s plan to float a new political outfit, with the politicos appeared wary of the fact whether the former minister will restrict himself to Tiswadi or flex his muscles down South of river Zuari, even as they maintained that the Santa Cruz MLA’s party plan may depend on the outcome of next year’s election of the Corporation of the City of Panaji.
Questions have also been raised in political circles whether Monserrate has rushed to announce his plan on the formation of a new outfit ahead of the CCP election in a bid to shed his pro-BJP image before the electorate. Others such as his long-time friend from Salcete, Adv Radharao Gracias, however, said that Babush has indeed discussed with him his future political plan to put in place a cohesive force to defeat the BJP.
It's not out of place to mention here that Monserrate had some time back descended in Salcete “ a taluka with eight Assembly seats “ interacting with his old friends such as UGDP Vice President Radharao Gracias and former Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues on his plans ahead of the 2017 Assembly election. He is also believed to have discussed with Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai the emerging political scenario with the Congress closing the door for a grand opposition alliance to fight the coming election.
Says Sardesai: “Babush is in a transitional phase. There has been talk of him associating with NCP, UGDP and now a new regional party that he may float. I guess his immediate focus is the CCP poll to be held in March 2016. Till then let's give him time and peace to take his final decision. But it must be kept in mind that people are keen to oust the anti-people, corrupt and communal BJP government from Goa."
While the Fatorda MLA, sources said may not have any problem to tie-up with Monserrate in the coming election, members of his group, may have certain reservations in dealing with the Santa Cruz MLA.
Goa Vikas Party (GVP) supremo Mickky Pacheco declined to comment on Monserrate’s plans to float a new party. “I have no offer to comment on someone who does not appear serious with his decision. Till the other day, we have heard of his plans to join the NCP, and today he talks about plans to form a new party," Mickky said.
Incidentally, former PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao was of the opinion that Monserrate will not only float a new party, but has the capability to win a couple of seats. “Monserrate has not approached me nor has he discussed his political plans. But, since he has announced his plans via the media, I am sure he will float the new party," Churchill added.
UGDP Vice President, Radharao Gracias said that Monserrate indeed had talks with him on the political situation emerging in the State. “We both felt that the time has come to form a cohesive force to put an end to the BJP rule in the State. But, since the Congress has now closed its doors for an alliance with the local players, we feel the time has come for non-BJP, non-Congress forces to come under one banner."
Replying to a question, Radharao said the nitty gritties whether the regional parties such as the UGDP should merge with the new outfit or should retain its identity while supporting the new force will be worked out in the days ahead.
Former Velim MLA and Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues conceded that Monserrate had called on him to discuss his future political plan. “He has given me an offer to join his party, but I told him that I am with the Congress. I have not given my commitment to him," Filipe said.
