Split in Goa Congress, Leader of Opposition Michael Lobo removed from the post, accused of conspiracy
Amidst the discussion on the stand of Congress MLAs joining BJP in Goa, a major action has been taken against Leader of Opposition Michael Lobo. He was removed from the post of Leader of Opposition with immediate effect. AICC in-charge in Goa Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “Some of our own leaders conspired with the BJP to weaken the party in Goa. They wanted to break the MLAs. This included our Leader of Opposition Michael Lobo and Digambar Kamat. Let us tell you that Digambar Kamat is a former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader.
Rao said the BJP wanted to break two-thirds of the MLAs. Huge amount was offered to our MLAs. I am surprised that such a huge amount was offered. But my 6 MLAs remained adamant. I am so proud of them.
This political stir has started after the meeting of seven Congress MLAs at Margao Hotel in Goa. Congress MLA Alexo Sequeira had said that the high command had not called for this meeting but it was a courtesy call. Although later Congress sources told that BJP wanted to break 8 MLAs but only 6 have agreed to this. Efforts are on and three more MLAs may join the line.
The Congress has only 11 MLAs in Goa. If 9 of these go to the BJP, then only two MLAs will be left with the Congress. On the other hand, Michael Lobo, who has been accused of conspiracy and has been removed from the post of Leader of Opposition, had said after the election that soon the Congress would form the government in Goa. He had said that change will be seen in 10 months.
Who’s on the list?
The Monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly is about to begin in Goa and before that there is a political ruckus. Let us tell you that a similar incident happened three years ago as well. 10 Congress MLAs had switched sides and joined the BJP. In such a situation, caution was taken this time and in front of Rahul Gandhi, the candidates took an oath not to switch sides after the victory. However, it doesn’t seem to make any sense.
Experts say that the MLAs who may switch sides include former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, current Leader of Opposition Makal Lobo, his wife Delila Lobo, Kedar Naik and Rajesh Faldesai.
