Goa BJP, Cong lock horns, taxmen raid minister, MLA

‘‘This is a conspiracy hatched by top Congress leaders to tarnish my image and that of the BJP,’’ said Monserratte, who has long been associated with money-lending.

While the raids that began in the morning continued late into the night, Congressmen alleged that Isidore Fernandes, who left their party, had narrated a shocking story before resigning his membership of the House.

Apparently, he had told Congress leaders that he had taken loans totaling Rs 38 lakh from Monserratte.

Congress spokesman Jitendra Deshprabhu told The Indian Express that all legislators from his party who heard Fernandes tell his story would file an FIR to that effect. They are implying that when Fernandes could not repay his loans, Monserratte used that lever to force him to quit the Congress.

Four of Monserratte’s residences and a cyber-cafe that he owns were raided.

Tax officials seemed confident that they had made significant seizures.

Meanwhile, Monserratte, himself, was making sweeping allegations against the Congress. He said that the conspiracy against him went all the way up to Sonia Gandhi. He further alleged that the Congress had been willing to offer him the chief ministership, should he leave the BJP.

The raids assume significance as the EC has declared October 13 as the date for bye-elections for the seat vacated by Fernandes. Seeking some mileage from the raids, the Congress asked for Monserratte’s resignation.