After attack by party cadre, BJP MLA to form social front

Goa BJP MLA Vishnu Wagh, who was attacked by the party cadre last month over rumours of his quitting the party, said he would form a non-political front for backward sections of society.

Wagh, who represents St Andre constituency, was manhandled by a group of 70 people, whom he claimed were supporters of his own party but owing allegiance to another legislator, on December 19.

"In two to three months, I will set up Bahujan Mahamanch and bring together all the oppressed sections like labour, SC, ST and others to bring transformation in society...This is my answer to the attack (on me)," the legislator said yesterday.

Wagh was treated in Goa Medical College over a week after the incident.

The attack was said to be the fallout of rumours that Wagh is trying to quit BJP to join the NCP in near future and contest forthcoming Lok Sabha polls on the Sharad Pawar-led party ticket.

He is also the Vice Chairman of Entertainment Society of Goa, an agency that hosts International Film Festival of India (IFFI) annually in the state.

"I have resolved not to take vicious steps and instead channelise my efforts in right direction," said Wagh.

After the attack, Wagh's wife alleged that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and local BJP leader Satish Dhond gave "supari" (contract) to kill her husband.

Police have so far arrested only two out of around 70 persons who were allegedly part of the mob who damaged the MLA's official car and manhandled him at Revora village near here.

Wagh said he would meet the party's national leaders in Delhi and brief them about the "callous" attitude of police in connection with arresting the accused.