PANJIM: St Cruz MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate is set to contest from Panjim constituency on the newly formed ‘United Goans’ Party in the 2017 Assembly elections. The formal announcement will be made by the unattached MLA on Friday.
Speaking to Herald, Monserrate said, “If not Panjim, I will not contest the elections,” adding that there is speculation about his alignment with BJP and he wants to prove it wrong by contesting from Panjim.
Monserrate is currently representing St Cruz Assembly seat. He was expelled by Congress in 2015 following anti-party activities during the Panjim byelection.
The MLA said he has approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) for registering the political party United Goans. “The registration process along with the symbol will be completed by December 20,” he said.
Monserrate has called a meeting on Friday of his supporters, which include present and former Panjim municipal councilors, to chalk out the election strategy, where he will make the formal announcement to contest from Panjim.
When asked, whether his wife Jennifer will also contest on United Goans ticket, Monserrate said, “She has to take the decision. I cannot force her. For now I am contesting on United Goans.”
The Panjim seat, which has been dominated by BJP for more than two decades, is currently represented by Siddharath Kuncolienkar, who is likely to be fielded by BJP again. AAP has already announced that Valmiki Naik will be their candidate, while Congress is still undecided.
