Goa: Minister resigns, blames cabinet colleagues

Among those who came out against Monserrate, on the Regional Plan 2011 issue, was D’Souza who said the entire Cabinet was not taken into confidence when the plan was passed. According to D’Souza the plan was passed without any discussion.

Monserrate, however, disagreed saying he “was backstabbed by some colleagues who turned against the plan following opposition from some vested interests”. He challenged Rane to scrap the plan thereby putting the CM in a difficult position.

Meanwhile, the BJP turned the heat on Congress following his resignation. “Not just Monserrate, but the entire Congress government in Goa is guilty of passing the plan,’’ Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar said. He alleged that Congress MLAs collectively have benefited to the tune of Rs 500 crore by converting agricultural land for industrial purposes.

The minister’s resignation has put the CM in a tight spot. His ruling coalition enjoys a thin majority of one MLA and Monserrate has the capacity to pull down the government. Goa’s Assembly is due to dissolve only in May.

Observers say, the crisis sparked by Monserrate’s resignation will only benefit the BJP which is banking on the minority Catholic Christian votes splitting up. Dissident Congressmen, including South Goa MP Churchill Alemao have already sent feelers to Monserrate about floating a third front for the Goa polls.

Monserrate, a powerful moneylender, has tremendous money and muscle power. A number of MLAs from the NCP, the regional Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and the United Goans Democratic Party are said to be already in touch with him. Several MLAs in the Rane government owe personal allegiance to him too.

BJP leaders feel that many of these elements may join hands with Monserrate to form a strong pressure group after the Assembly elections.