PANJIM: Two days after he announced contesting Panjim by-polls, the Taleigao strongman Atanasio Babush Monseratte said he would quit his party Goa Forward, to contest as an independent candidate.
A day after the government was formed, Monseratte declared that he would fight the Panjim by-polls and further informed the GFP leader Vijai Sardesai accordingly.
“I have now decided to contest independent,” Monseratte told Herald.
He said that Goa Forward and the BJP are in alliance and he does not want to create any issues for the alliance.
“I will start my campaign from Monday and I am sure of winning in Panjim, “he stated.
Asked whether he would seek support of Congress, he said, “no, but anybody is free to support me.”
On the other hand, his parent party Goa Forward has clarified it does not endorse Babush’ views.
“He informed us he wants to contest but we have already told him it isn’t possible as we are in alliance with the BJP and Panjim is their seat,” Goa Forward vice-president Durgadas Kamat told Herald.
Kamat said stability of this government is of utmost importance to us.
“We are not like MGP to play such mischief. However, if it is his wish, we cannot stop him,” added Kamat.
