PANJIM: Congress St Cruz MLA Atanasio Monserrate is likely to face severe action — in form of expulsion from the party for his open claim of supporting BJP in the Panjim by-election — as a visibly upset All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary Dr Chellakumar on Saturday stated that “Congress does not need such anti-party workers and it would be better if they leave the party”.
Chellakumar also asserted that Congress will contest Panjim by-election on its ideology and commitment and it is not dependent on one individual to run it. The Senior Congressman will be submitting his report on Monserrate to the AICC general secretary and Goa desk in-charge Digvijay Singh for action.
“He (Monserrate) is free to join BJP and support them. Congress will not allow him to be part and campaign for opposition. It would be better he leaves Congress,” Chellakumar told Herald adding, ‘we cannot allow these juniors to dictate or rule Congress party, as per their terms and conditions’.
“There is no doubt that strong action will be taken against him and all those who work against the party. Party does not need such workers. It has its own name,” he added.
Monserrate during his recent one-on-one meeting with Chellakumar, here in Goa, had openly said that he will work against Congress candidate Surendra Furtado to ensure his defeat and will support BJP.
Chellakumar said Monserrate has some reservation against the candidate and not against party. “But, his ultimate act to work against candidate is going against the party. We will never allow party’s prospect to suffer for some individual’s personal rivalry or issues… Monserrate should remember that he is known only because of the Congress,” he slammed.
The Congress leader is confident that people of Panjim will not fall prey to Monserrate but will vote for the party because of its ideology and commitment. “Party is not dependent on one individual,” he said recalling that AICC in the past has taken action against several leaders for anti-party activities.
