To embrace GFP or not? Babush may have, but his corporators remain divided

PANAJI: The 17-member Atansio ‘Babush' Monserrate's ruling panel of the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) seems to be split over joining Goa Forward Party (GFP), which their ‘Boss' recently joined.
While Mayor Surendra Furtado has firmly stated that he is a Congressman and would remain a Congressman, five others have ruled out joining GFP. Four corporators said they would follow Babush's instructions while four others were yet to make up their mind on joining the GFP, a party floated by TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai.
Interestingly, most of the corporators from the panel headed by Babush are not affiliated to any political party.
Speaking to The Goan, Mayor Surendra Furtado said, "I have always been a Congressman, though I have been a mayor from the Babush panel. I have made it very clear to Babush that I am an executive member of the Congress Party and I will not change my Party."
Corporators Rahul Lotlikar and Uday Madkaikar, who are office bearers of United Goans Party (UGP) which Babush had floated prior to the State Legislative Assembly elections in February, have clearly stated that they would join GFP soon.
"Any time after September 24, I would resign as the General Secretary of UGP and join GFP. It is definitely to be a part of the government than to be away from it. However, it would be an added advantage as GFP is part of the coalition State Government. We can get developmental works done at a faster pace," said Lotlikar.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, four corporators said that they had not taken a decision on what their future course of action would be.
"Our leader (Babush) has not told us anything about joining GFP so we haven't given it any thought," said the four corporators.
When asked if they would be willing to join GFP, they were non-committal.
"Let him ask or tell us first. Only then we can think about the move," they stated.
When contacted, Monserrate said that he is yet to hold discussion with his party president Vijai Sardesai about the corporators of his panel joining the Goa Forward Party.
"I have not yet spoken to Vijai about my corporators joining GFP. But it is my panel and as I have joined GFP, they owe their allegiance to me," said Monserrate.
When asked if all his corporators would join GFP if he asks them to do so, he said, "I am yet to speak to them."

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