PANJIM: St Cruz legislator Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate on Saturday announced that he will float a new regional outfit which will fight elections in at least 20 Assembly constituencies.
Monserrate was expelled from the Congress earlier this year for having worked against the party candidate in the Panjim bypoll.
Speaking to Herald Monserrate, who had announced he would join National Congress Party, said he is forming a new regional party and has been in touch with his former colleagues on the issue.
“I thought on the issue of joining the NCP but later realised that national parties look at their own benefits and are least bothered about the interest of Goans and the progress of Goa,” he said.
He added, “I felt it wise to float a new party and I am not making tall claims that I will contest all 40 constituencies but I am looking at fighting at least 20.”
Monserrate said that for this he has been in touch with his old colleagues and most of who have extended their support.
Asked whether he would be aligning with the new regional outfit to be floated by Independent MLAs Rohan Khaunte, Vijai Sardesai and Naresh Sawal, he said, “As of now nothing is decided. There is no connection between the two outfits.”
On whether this would not give BJP an advantage, he shot back, “How would it benefit any other party. There is enough space for a new party and I am not just floating a party for the sake of it but to win all seats which my party will contest.”
