PremiumSpeculations of some Congress leaders joining the BJP had been strengthened after party’s state in-charge CT Ravi in May said that the saffron front, which has 20 MLAs in Goa, will have 30 MLAs by the end of the year
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Amid much speculations, Congress leaders in Goa have once again refuted rumours that some Goa Congress MLAs may cross over to the ruling BJP's side.
This comes as BJP is making attempts to bring nearly eight Congress leaders into its fold by the end of Sunday, reported Hindustan Times. Until now, the saffron front has been able to convince six MLAs, people aware of the matter were quoted as saying.
Those who have expressed willingness to switch sides include former chief minister Digambar Kamat, current leader of Opposition Michael Lobo, his wife Delilah Lobo, Kedar Naik, Rajesh Faldessai.
Against this backdrop, AICC observer Dinesh Gundu Rao held a meeting with ten of 11 Congress MLAs in the state and attempted to put forward a united front.
Earlier, Congress chief in state Amit Patkar had said that rumours of a split in the party were being spread by the ruling BJP.
“Eight of our 11 MLAs are new. There was a meeting today on floor management (in the House). Our senior MLAs had had discussions with the new MLAs, and I am hopeful that from Monday you will see the Congress raising public issues (in the House) against this government, which has failed," Patkar said on Saturday.
“The BJP government only creates rumour and confusion among people," he added.
Further, Micheal Lobo had also refuted the rumours and said that they have been 'spread deliberately ahead of the Assembly session.'
"These are all rumours. There's nothing as such. Assembly (session) is starting and one rumour has to be spread by somebody or the other. I have not been told, if I'm told I'll tell you first," he said.
Speculations of some Congress leaders joining the BJP had been strengthened after party’s state in-charge CT Ravi in May said that the saffron front, which has 20 MLAs, will have 30 MLAs by the end of the year.
“Your (election) slogan was ‘Bavisaant Baavis (22 seats in 2022)’. With support from (other MLAs) we are 25 in 2022. But don’t worry; a lot of people are in contact (with us). Within (20)22, we will cross 30. The party has not given permission. That’s why we are 25. If the party grants permission, we will be 30 in ’22," Ravi had said.