Goemakrponn desk
CALANGUTE: A day after, news reports (not Goemkarponn) claimed Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo denied rumours of him and his wife joining Congress.
On the other hand, Porvorim’s independent MLA Rohan Khaunte has confirmed to Goemkarponn he would join the grand old party as soon as his term ends.
Speaking to Goemkarponn Khaunte said a few of his workers have joined Congress.
“Zilla Parishad Member Gupesh Naik along with some supporters have joined Congress. I will soon join the party as soon as my term ends,” Khaunte said.
He said he would give further details on the day of his joining.
Lobo still in denial mode
Meanwhile, Waste Management Minister and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said denied reports of him joining Congress.
Reacting to news reports that he met Congress top leaders in Delhi, Lobo said he never went to Delhi last week.
“I was in Mumbai for two days along with my wife for a function. I also had some shopping to do,” he stated.
Lobo further said that many parties are after him to join and he has not decided yet.
“Right now, I am in BJP. My wife will contest from Siolim as independent or any ticket offered by a good party,” he said.
Lobo further said that he was not the one who would hide such things.
“I will let the media know if I am joining anywhere else. Right now, I am sitting pretty,” he says.
Tussle for Panaji BJP ticket
between Babush & Utpal
Panaji sitting MLA Babush Monseratte fumed on Monday when asked whether he would get a party ticket from Panaji.
“I was and will remain Panaji MLA. I will get the BJP ticket. What makes you ask that question?” he asked scribes.
BJP insiders say there is a keen tussle between Babush and former late CM Manohar Parrikar’s son Utpal Parrikar for Panaji ticket.
Sources reveal the RSS and the BJP top brass is in favour of the nomination of Utpal from Panaji.
“Monseratte has been asked to move to St Cruz,” sources revealed.
However, there is no confirmation on the issue yet.
Utpal, on the other hand, has told Goemkarponn he would contest Panaji elections come what may.
“It is up to the party whether to give me a ticket or not. I will contest independently otherwise,” he stated.
Sources claim Utpal also has the support of the likes of Siddharth Kuncoliencar and Dattaprasad Naik.