Congress has lost power in politics: babush
, Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate who has been eyeing Panjim constituency for a very long time, minced no words in making his intention to contest the Panjim by-poll — a vacancy created after the incumbent Parrikar made it to Parliament. Monserrate speaks to Shweta Kamat regarding
his plans
HERALD: Are you firm on contesting as Independent MLA or are you looking for a Congress ticket for the Panjim by-election?
Monserrate: I will contest as an Independent candidate from Panjim and will resign as St Cruz MLA once the by-election is announced.
HERALD: Will there be any change of plans if Congress party offers you a ticket?
Monserrate: I will not accept any party ticket. I have made up my mind to go as Independent. Congress has lost power in politics and I don’t want to contest from a party that has failed to live up to the expectations of the people.
HERALD: Considering the fact that you have always been dominating in Taleigao, do you feel that you are the strongest candidate for Panjim, moreover because Panjim is mainly seen as a BJP constituency?
Monserrate: I agree that Panjim was always a BJP constituency under Manohar Parrikar and I have high regards for him as a political leader and as a person. But now, after he left, there is huge vacuum created and it’s high time to feel that vacuum.
I believe it’s only me who can carry forward the legacy of Parrikar in Panjim.
HERALD: What about your good friends and supporters Surendra Furtado and Yatin Parekh who are planning to contest against you?
Monserrate: I have no issues about anyone contesting against me. In democracy everyone has freedom to contest elections.
I will appeal to all my friends that if they are not contesting, then to support me. The result will be decided by the voters.
HERALD: Who you think would be a tough contender for you – a BJP or Congress candidate?
Monserrate: It will be a straight fight between me and the BJP. Congress will be out.
Shocked at Babush’s decision to contest: Furtado
CCP Mayor, Surendra Furtado who announced his intention to contest in Panjim on Congress ticket feels that he has a good chance to wrest the BJP seat for the Congress. Speaking to Shweta Kamat, Furtado says that he is the right candidate for the seat which even Monserrate, had often said
HERALD: As a good friend of Monserrate, do you feel it is right on his part to resign as MLA and contest as an Independent?
Furtado: I guess Monserrate would be the right person to answer this. But when you talk about me being a good friend of Monserrate, I would like to tell you that Babush has often said in the past also that Furtado is the right candidate for Panjim. I was rather shocked with his decision to contest in Panjim.
HERALD: So you think you are a stronger contender for Panjim against Atanasio Monserrate and the BJP candidate?
Furtado: Definitely yes! Panjim was BJP’s constituency during Manohar Parrikar’s regime, now the picture will be different. In case of Monserrate, he has been a leader of people in Taleigao and now in St Cruz and I don’t feel he would be accepted in Panjim.
I don’t want to comment on anything as I know that I am the winning horse.
HERALD: Do you feel that you will be the Congress’ winnable candidate for Panjim?
Furtado:Congress will give ticket to only Furtado. I am into politics for the past 25 years and is elected as Corporator for Miramar for the last five terms.
I have contested in the past and I know each and every household. No one will deny the fact that I have done an excellent job as Mayor without government help. My work speaks volumes of me.
HERALD: If we recall, in March 2012 Assembly election you were confident about getting Congress ticket.
But ultimately it went to Yatin Parekh. Do you feel the party did a mistake?
Furtado: I don’t want to dig into the past, but want to focus on the future.
Why I was not given the ticket would be better answered by the Congress high command. But at present, the party has no better choice for the Panjim seat.
