PANJIM: Congress is exuding confidence of proving its majority on the floor of the House on Thursday, but Goa Forward mentor and Minister in the BJP-led coalition, Vijai Sardesai, categorically ruled out negotiations with the former stating, ‘I cannot back stab Parrikar (Manohar)’.
Congress, that emerged as single largest party with 17 MLAs, but failed to stake claim before Governor with a majority, is making all efforts to get Goa Forward’s three MLAs – Sardesai, Jayesh Salgaonkar and Vinod Palyekar – to their side taking their tally to 21.
In the latest move, it is learnt that the party even offered Sardesai the Chief Ministerial post hours before the swearing in ceremony. Congress MLA Digambar Kamat was the middleman sent to strike the deal with Sardesai, who has refused to entertain Congress. “Congress has approached me even today,” he admitted.
“They may offer me anything now but I am not going to negotiate and go to them. I am a person of word. I made Parrikar resign as Defence Minister and come back to Goa with an assurance to form the government. I am not going to backstab him now. There is no question of negotiation with Congress,” Sardesai told media persons after being sworn in as Minister.
Asked whether he would extend support if Congress appoints Digambar Kamat as Chief Minister, Sardesai said, “There is no question of anything now.”
Apparently, Kamat as chief minister was the post-poll alliance condition laid down by Sardesai, which the party high command had ignored.
