Goa Cong workers threaten mass resignations

Panaji, Feb 5 (IBNS) As many as 2500 Congress workers have threatened to resign en mass after the party denied a ticket to sitting MLA Victoria Fernandes for the St Cruz constituency.

Likewise, the disgruntled candidate has threatened to contest as an independent also because Rudolf, her son, another aspiring Congress candidate, was also dropped from the list.

The St Cruz Block Congress Committee Saturday held meeting minutes after the Congress in Goa announced a list of 22 candidates dropping the loyal woman soldier for contesting the March 3 polls.

Backed by her supporters, Victoria said dropping her from the party will prove very costly to Congress.

She has demanded an explanation from the party leaders for denying her the party ticket.

"I don't understand where I went wrong that I am denied a ticket," Victoria said while addressing a press conference at her residence late last night.

"Is it because I protested the Regional Plan and mega projects in my constituency," she questioned.

Irked at decision by the Congress, Committee Vice President Prakash Naik said the committee supports Congress only because of Victoria.

"We work for Mummy (Victoria) which is why we are backing Congress. We want Mummy or 'Baba' (Rudolf)," he said.

Taleigao MLA Atanasio Monserrate has replaced the lone woman legislator for the seat.

All India Minority Forum (AIMF), which is contesting all 40 seats independently, has come forward to allot Victoria a ticket, if she is willing for it.

National President S M Asifs said 'doors are open for Victoria' though in the past she denied contesting on AIMF ticket for the Congress.

"Our group is open for candidates with a clean image," he said.

(Reporting by John Edwrads)