TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Goa’s former Chief Minister Dr Wilfred de Souza on Monday hinted that he would be joining Trinamool Congress shortly.
Addressing a press conference, Dr De Souza said that he has received a letter from All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) General Secretary Mukul Roy stating that he has been appointed as president of Goa party unit.
“I received the letter on Sunday via a fax but I am yet to reply to it,” he said hinting, “I have not refused the offer… it’s a good offer…the decision can come in next two minutes…”
When asked, Dr Willy said that Trinamool leaders, in the past had held talks with him on the issue.
The letter, which does not contain signature of Roy, mentions that under the directions of AITC Chairperson Mamata Banerjee, Dr De Souza has been appointed to be the president of Goa Pradesh AITC unit and in-charge of the forthcoming elections in Goa.
“He has also been authorised on behalf of the AITC to meet and negotiate with various small parties and the regional political groups in the best interest of the party,” the letter stated.
Dr De Souza however said that Trinamool will be open to all including national parties, once it sets up its unit in Goa.
“Trinamool is a good party, which has an alliance with UPA government at the Centre with around eight ministers. The party will defiantly help Goan’s on issues like Railways and Shipping,” he said adding “there is a need for Third Front in Goa as people are now looking for options”.
Though Dr De Souza refused to comment whether the party will fill in all 40 constituencies for the coming Assembly elections, the letter by Roy says otherwise.
“The candidates list of AITC Goa unit for 2012 Assembly elections will be drawn up by Dr De Souza and will sent to party headquarters for final approval,” it reads.
