Forward march for Jennifer, Tony?

PANJIM: Even as Goa Forward Party (GFP) President Vijai Sardesai assured that he will not split the Congress further, two Congress MLAs – Tony Fernandes and Jennifer Monserrate – could quit their membership of the Legislative Assembly soon as a ripple effect of Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate joining GFP.

While both the Congress MLAs are likely to resign anytime, paving the way for Babush to contest either from St Cruz or Taleigao, it is learnt that the former Minister will opt for Taleigao, which is considered a safe seat for him. He was known as the uncrowned king of Taleigao until he decided to shift to St Cruz in 2012, from where he got elected.

As the BJP-led coalition is slightly reluctant to induct Babush into the State cabinet for now, a deal has been struck to bifurcate Taleigao from the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) – thereby creating a new PDA which will be headed by Babush. 

The Congress camp is abuzz with the likely development within, with sources admitting that resignations by Fernandes and Jennifer are a possibility. “Jennifer is Babush’s wife and it was he who introduced her to politics. On the other hand, Tony is a follower of Babush, and hence there is no question of these two sitting in the opposition when their strongman is in the ruling,” sources said. 

Congress sources said that Fernandes may quit during the ongoing Assembly session period, while sources in the GFP claim that it will be Jennifer. “Anybody can go any time. We know these two people will resign soon. We are ready for it,” a CLP member said.  

Babush, while expanding his base to St Cruz constituency in 2012, had introduced his wife Jennifer to the State Assembly by getting her elected from Taleigao. Both emerged victorious in their respective constituencies.

In the 2017 Assembly election, Babush, attempted to get elected from Panjim against BJP’s Siddharth Kuncolienkar, and fielded his close aide Fernandes in St Cruz, to ensure his hold over the constituency. While Babush lost against Kuncolienkar, Fernandes won in St Cruz. 

Further it is also learnt that Babush’s close aide St Andre MLA Francisco Silvera may also switch sides but this could happen at a later date. 

The State will be going for by-polls in Panjim and Valpoi in August- September.