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UGDP calls for emergency meet
BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, AUG 13 - The United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP) has termed the
decision by its lone MLA Babush Monserrate to support the Congress
government as an affront to the voters and a mockery of democracy.
An agitated party Secretary General, Anacleto Viegas has called for an
emergency meeting on Tuesday evening to weigh various options, including
suspension of the MLA for violating the anti-defection law. Babush will also
be invited for the Presidium meeting.
However, the party has decided to seek an explanation from Monserrate at
tomorrow's Presidium meeting before initiating any action against him.
"Monserrate's decision is an affront to the voters who elected him. This is
not fair. Prime facie, Monserrate's decision is wrong. This cannot be a
democratic process", Viegas told Herald this evening.
He also took a dig at the Congress seeking to know how they could accept
support from the same person who was accused of hobnobbing with the BJP-led
Goa Democratic Alliance. "What is the position of the Congress today? Till
yesterday, they were mocking at us. Now, the electorate is mocking at the
Congress", he said.
Viegas said the party will condemn Monserrate's act after seeking a detailed
explanation from the MLA, but hastened to add "personally, I dislike and
disapprove his action which was taken without the consent of the party. No
MLA can extend any support to any government or party without first seeking
the nod of his or her party".
Asked what would be the options before the party, the UGDP Secretary General
said the party can initially suspend the MLA and write to the Speaker that
the MLA has violated the provisions of 10th Schedule. "How can a MLA take an
unilateral decision without taking authorisation from the party
organisation", he sought to know.
Incidentally, the UGDP has endorsed Monserrate's decision to support the GDA
ex-factor, but Viegas said "last time, the party had no support. We had no
option but to be pragmatic".
http://oheraldo.in/node/27449
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