Atanasio Monserratte forms own party, wants to contest against Manohar Parrikar

PANAJI: Unattached Congress legislator Atanasio Monserratte today announced the formation of his own political party ahead of the Goa assembly polls and expressed his desire to contest against Union Minister Manohar Parrikar from Panaji constituency.

"I wish I could fight Parrikar. I have a feeling that I would even defeat Parrikar. For me it makes no difference, I am fighting from Panaji. I hope Centre sends Parrikar down to fight the election with me. At least my wish would be completed," Monserratte told PTI after he announced his intention to align with the Congress for the polls through his newly formed outfit - United Goans Party.

Parrikar, the former Chief Minister of Goa, represented Panaji from 1994 till 2014, after which he was elevated to the Union cabinet.

Monserratte said he would be contesting the upcoming assembly elections from Panaji constituency.

"As far as I am concerned, I am here to fight this election from Panaji constituency. I assure you, I will win this election by more than 3,000 votes," Monserratte said.

The legislator representing St Cruz constituency was expelled this year from Congress party due to anti-party activities during a by-election in Panaji constituency, which was held after Parrikar landed the Central job.

Panaji constituency is currently represented by Siddharth Kuncolienkar of BJP.

Stating that Panaji has always been considered as Parrikar's bastion, Monserratte alleged that the constituency has not seen any development during the last 25 years.

Monserratte, whose wife is a Congress MLA from Taleigao constituency, said he had proved his mettle in Panaji when the panel fielded by him won three elections of the civic body Corporation of City of Panaji.

"It clearly shows that people are unhappy the way BJP is functioning. I believe the Corporation as well as Panaji MLA should work hand in hand," he said.

The legislator said the state polls would be fought on development issues.

"This fight is about development, it is about people. It is the people who have got you elected," he said.

Responding to a question, Monserratte said he formed a new political party because he was expelled from the Congress.