Babush rejoins Cong

Babush rejoins Cong
Vishwajeet to enter soon?
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JUNE 21
Exactly three years after he had ditched the party at the last minute, Taleigao’s unattached legislator and Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate today rejoined the Congress party ending months of speculation.
Monserrate had ditched the Congress during 2007 Assembly elections when he filed his nomination on UGDP ticket at the last moment after getting the Congress ticket.
The Congress claimed that Monserrate had not only joined the party but also merged the UGDP, a claim which has been categorically rejected by the regional outfit’s senior members.
Ending months of speculation Monserrate finally submitted his membership papers to the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Subash Shirodkar, in the presence of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes, Curtorim MLA Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco, GPCC office bearers and his supporters.
The minister alongwith Valpoi MLA Vishwajeet Rane was due to join the party in December last but due to some differences the entry could not happen.
While Monserrate joined today, Rane who is also the Health Minister would join the party in few days, GPCC President Subash Shirodkar said.
Sources said the health minister is in Delhi for the final round of talks with Congress High Command.
The exact deal between the Congress and Babush could not be ascertained as both maintained that the entry was unconditional.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said that the party welcomed Monserrate into the party fold “unconditionally”.
“Monserrate has entered the Congress without any conditions,” Kamat said.
Asked whether there would be any portfolio reshuffle after Monserrate’s entry into Congress, he replied, “the question does not arise as the entry is unconditional.”