New Delhi: Amid reports of revolt in Goa Congress, former state Congress chief Girish Chodankar has alleged that party MLAs were offered huge sums of money to join the BJP. According to an India Today report, the former state chief has claimed that MLAs are being offered Rs 40 crore to join the BJP. Chodankar alleged that the BJP was pressurizing Congress MLAs through “some mine owners and coal mafia” to join the BJP.
The explosive claims came amid vigorous discussion of revolt in the party with at least six MLAs likely to join the saffron camp, led by former Goa CM Digambar Kamat. Chodankar claimed that the development came to light after he was approached by some MLAs who informed Congress’s Goa in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Following this, the Congress on Sunday sacked Michael Lobo from the post of Leader of Opposition in the Goa Legislative Assembly on charges of hatching a conspiracy to defection in the party.
AICC observer Dinesh Gundu Rao told a press conference that some of its leaders along with the BJP had hatched a “conspiracy” to weaken it. Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “Some of our leaders along with the BJP had hatched a conspiracy to see that the Congress party in Goa has become weak and has been defection. This conspiracy was led by our own 2 leaders LOP Michael Lobo and Digambar Kamat did it.” Told.
“These two men were working in perfect coordination with the BJP. One person – Digambar Kamat – did it to protect his skin because so many matters to him and the other man – Michael Lobo – for power and position. BJP Want to eliminate the opposition.”
Additionally, Rao said the BJP was trying for a two-thirds split to see that at least eight Congress MLAs leave the party. “Large amounts of money have been offered to many of our people. I am surprised by the amount offered. But our six MLAs stood firm, I am proud of them.