Team Herald
PANJIM: Stating that the Congress is in deep slumber even three-and-half years after their defeat, Porvorim legislator Rohan Khaunte on Tuesday brushed aside allegations that he is supporting the Laxmikant Parsekar-led Bharatiya Janata Party government in the State.
“I had given a letter to the Governor of Goa in 2012 about supporting the Manohar Parrikar-led government and that’s it,” Khaunte told Herald when asked why he has not withdrawn support to BJP yet.
Khaunte along with independent MLAs Vijai Sardesai and Naresh Sawal have announced floating a new regional outfit on January 26 to take on the might of BJP in the State.
“Since there is no Manohar Parrikar government I issue seizes there and then. If you see my letter, I have not said that I am supporting BJP government or anybody else. It only says support to government led by Manohar Parrikar hence the matter is settled. Where does the question of withdrawing support arise?”
“I supported Parrikar and now he isn’t here anymore Goa,” he said, adding “I have already said I am not in support of this Laxmikant Parsekar-led government for various reasons.”
Criticising the Congress for raking up the issue, Khaunte said, “in last one year or so, it is only me, Sardesai and Sawal, who have been raising the people’s issue in Goa. Where is the opposition in Goa? They are fast asleep.”
On the Congress president Luizinho Faleiro’s statement that the party wants to go all alone in the 2017 elections, Khaunte said it would be suicidal for the Congress.
“Where will they bring the leaders from? Do they have anybody to represent in the 40 constituencies? The need of the hour is to join hands with the like-minded people and go ahead,” Khaunte stated.
