Team Herald
Sources said Parsekar’s visit to Delhi on Friday was essentially to oppose possible ministership being given to Monserrate. However, Parsekar has flatly denied this, claiming the issue was not on his agenda. “My meeting with Union ministers was not related to the induction of Babush. This was not on the agenda and neither has anyone ever discussed this,” he said.
Parsekar had scheduled meetings with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik in Delhi. Interestingly, he rushed to Delhi on Thursday evening, cancelling his earlier scheduled flight. Sources said Monserrate met Parrikar in Delhi exploring the possibility of his induction into the cabinet, though he claimed the meeting was to highlight the development works at Taleigao and St Cruz constituencies.
Party sources said the chief minister has assured that they have many strong leaders within the party and as such there is no question of bringing in other legislators.
It is learnt that there could be a cabinet reshuffle around the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, wherein one other BJP MLA may get a berth. Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral and St Andre’s Vishnu Surya Wagh are the frontrunners.
