Leaders party-hop in dance of democracy

PANAJI
It was a day of hectic political developments, with as many as four former legislators, including two ministers, shifting alliances on Tuesday.

While former minister and ex-BJP MLA Michael Lobo and ex-MGP MLA Lavoo Mamledar joined the Congress, former minister and former independent MLA Govind Gaude joined the BJP and former BJP MLA Pravin Zantye joined the MGP.

Lobo, who resigned as minister from the BJP government on Monday, joined the Congress party along with his wife, Delilah Lobo, a number of panchas and supporters late Tuesday evening in the presence of AICC Goa Incharge Dinesh Gundu Rao, Opposition Leader and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat and other office bearers.

“Today is a very happy moment. A strong, powerful and grassroots leader is joining the party. He is not only popular in his constituency but has influence across the taluka. A big force has entered the party. This force along with the Congress party strength will bring good results,” said Rao.

He exuded confidence that Congress would get 25-plus seats with the entry of Michael Lobo into the party.

“Lobo’s entry will make an impact not only in Bardez but across Goa,” said Rao, while adding that internal opposition to Michael would be managed.

“People are fed up with the government. More than Lobo, it is his workers who made him join the Congress because it is a party which is working for the people,” said Rao.

Kamat said that people do not want the present government to return to power. “Lobo has taken the correct decision which is in the interest of the people of Goa,” he added.

“Many will come back to Congress, like former Ponda MLA Lavoo Mamledar, who has joined the Congress after leaving the TMC.”

Earlier, Govind Gaude joined the BJP in the presence of Union Ministers Kishan Reddy and Darshana Jardosh, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Goa State Election Incharge Devendra Fadnavis, BJP State President Sadanand Tanavade and other party leaders.

While extending a warm welcome to Gaude into the party, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that with the ever-increasing support, enthusiastic karyakartas and trust and love of people, the BJP would win the elections with a clear majority of 22+ seats.

Gaude said he was confident of winning in his Priol constituency, but joined the BJP so that he can work for party colleagues in other constituencies.

Gaude, who was earlier elected as independent MLA from Priol, was a minister in the BJP government before resigning from the post.

Controversial projects will go if Cong wins: Lobo

PANAJI: Stating that the Congress would get over 22 seats and form the next government, former minister Michael Lobo said he would ensure that controversial projects being opposed by the people are scrapped in South Goa.

“We have joined Congress for the betterment of Goa and only this party is capable of taking Goa forward. We have seen Digambar Kamat’s work as chief minister. In the upcoming election, Congress will get 22-plus seats,” said Lobo.

His wife, Delilah, said they would create history in Siolim constituency.