Mormugao MLA denies back-stabbing Jose

Mormugao MLA denies back-stabbing Jose
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, NOV 9
Reacting to Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza’s allegation, Mormugao BJP MLA Milind Naik has stated that he has not back stabbed D’Souza, as he was in good terms with the revenue minister for the development of his constituency.
“It is my nature, as I am good to most of the people. Similarly, I was in good terms with D’Souza, which doesn’t mean that I have to support him as and when he requires,” said Naik.
He however admitted that he has taken D’Souza’s help for the development of his constituency, but not for his personal gains.
“In political scenario, situation is changing every now and then. Since it is an opportunity for me to lead the council, then why I should miss such an opportunity,” asked Naik.
All Goa Congress Minority Department Chairman Saifullah Khan and Mormugao Block Congress President Sharad Chopdekar refuted the charges that BJP and Congress are forming the council.
“Council election is fought without any party affiliation and if at all BJP and Congress backed councillors have joined hands, it for the development of the city,” said Khan.
“If D’Souza brings party politics to council, then being an alliance partner of Congress-NCP government, he should have supported Congress candidates instead of working against them,” said Khan.
“Party politics doesn’t come in formation of the council. Will D’Souza not form the council if same councillors from BJP had joined hands with his panel,” asked Chopdekar.
Suchita Shirodkar said she has not back stabbed D’Souza. “Since the number is in favour of ‘People Council Panel’, I am joining hands with them,” she added.
“What I would have done sitting in the opposition? Since I want development of my ward, I have joined the group and I won the election with my effort,” added Shirodkar.
Earlier, all the 13 councillors under the banner ‘Peoples Council Panel’ met in a restaurant in Vasco to show their strength and that they are intact with the sole purpose to provide stability.
However, most of the councillors have supported the businessman, whom D’Souza has accused of interfering in formation of the council.
“The industrialist, who has been dragged, has not helped in the formation of the council, but he has assured that he would undertake development of Vasco city as his social responsibility, then why we should reject such a support,” asked Councillor Carlos Almeida.