I was happy as Independent legislator: Rodrigues

Panaji, Mar 19 (UNI) Water Resources Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues, who joined the Congress today, said he was happy as an independent legislator as he could complete the term successfully.

Earlier in the day, Mr Rodrigues resigned as an Independent MLA and joined the Congress. He was again sworn-in as Minister with the same portfolio.

''I am happy so far as an independent MLA as I could complete my term successfully till date. Of course, I have sought party ticket from the same Velim constituency,'' he said.

He signed the documents seeking admission to the party as also party ticket for the coming elections to the state legislative assembly and handed them over to GPCC president Ravi Naik before rushing to Raj Bhavan for the swearing-in ceremony.

Incidentally, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) working president Dr Kasinath Jalmi, whose party is a coalition partner in the Congress-led government in Goa, was present in the party headquarters, along with three other former legislators who joined the Congress, when Mr Rodrigues formally joined the party.

Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane, who rushed to the party office at the eleventh hour, offered his best wishes to all the new entrants and conveyed his ''Gudi Padwa'' greetings to all.

UNI