Vishwajit all set to join Cong today
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JUNE 23
After months of denials and delays, Valpoi’s independent legislator Vishwajit Rane is all set to join the Congress party tomorrow after resigning from his assembly seat.
Rane, who was camping in Delhi for last three days negotiating with the party high command on his entry, had categorically denied yesterday of any immediate plans to joining Congress.
The all India Congress Committee general secretary and party observer for Goa BK Hariprasad confirmed the development this evening.
In a telephonic conversation with Herald, Hariprasad disclosed Rane will resign from his assembly seat before joining.
“Vishwajit will join the Congress after resigning from the assembly seat tomorrow,” Hariprasad said adding he would be present in Goa to welcome the legislator in the party.
He stated that Rane would be again sworn in as the minister at Raj Bhavan, at 2.30 p.m.
Sources in the Congress said that after the swearing in as a minister, Vishwajit will have to get re-elected as a legislator within six months in the by-polls.
In the 2007 assembly elections, Vishwajit contested as an independent candidate after the Congress denied him a ticket following the one ticket per family rule.
Vishwajit’s entry comes days after Taleigao legislator and Education Minister Babush Monseratte joined the party.
With the junior Rane all set to join the party, Congress’ strength in the assembly will increase from 19 to 20.
Hariprasad, speaking further, also tried to play down rumours there were any plans of re-shuffle in the Digambar Kamat cabinet.
“As of now let us contain ourselves to Vishwajit’s entry in the party. There are no such plans of reshuffle,” Hariprasad said replying to a query.
