PANJIM: The Congress Legislative Wing (CLP) on Wednesday resolved to challenge its former MLA Vishwajit Rane in the by-polls at Valpoi when they are held. Rane is slated to contest the polls on a BJP ticket.
The party is also set to file a disqualification petition against Rane before Assembly Speaker Dr Pramod Sawant. “The CLP that met today (Wednesday) discussed the disqualification petition against Rane. We agree, there has been a delay in filing it. We had sought legal advice from our senior Congress functionaries to strengthen the case. Now we are ready with the petition and it will be filed soon,” Opposition Leader Chandrakant Kavalekar said.
Speaking on the decision to contest the by-polls, Kavalekar said, “We are yet to begin the process to identify the candidate. But we will put up a strong face against Rane and ensure that the seat is retained by the Congress.” On March 16, Rane, who was elected from Valpoi constituency, left the House immediately after being administered oath, reducing the Congress’ strength to 16 MLAs and the House to 39 members, and was not present for the floor test to determine the government’s strength. He then resigned as MLA as well as from the Congress.
The former health minister has announced he would re-contest the polls and he is slated to join BJP on Thursday. Sources confirm that Rane will be inducted in the Manohar Parrikar Cabinet this week.
He is most likely to be given the Health portfolio.
