Congress expels former Goa minister for 6 years

Panaji, Mar 11: Congress party on Wednesday announced expulsion of its Goa legislator and former state minister Atanasio Monserratte for six years for indulging in "anti-party activities" during the recently-held Panaji constituency by-poll.

"Congress president Sonia Gandhi, considering the conduct and acts of indiscipline of St Cruz MLA Atanasio Monserratte, has decided to expel him from the party for six years," Goa Congress spokesman Sunil Kawathankar told reporters here today.

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee's executive body had passed a resolution on February 17 to expel Monserratte for working against the party. Monserratte, who was the state cabinet member from 2002 till 2012, held various portfolios, including Town and Country Planning.

According to Kawathankar, Gandhi has also directed the local unit to take action against other rebel leaders, who indulged in anti-party activities.

The spokesman told reporters that several leaders have been indicted by the disciplinary committee, including former St Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes.

The Congress party, which was reduced to single digit during the 2012 Goa Assembly polls, has initiated disciplinary action against several of its leaders.

PTI