GFP tried to lobby with us to topple Parrikar govt: Congress

The Congress today alleged that the Vijay Sardesai-led Goa Forward Party (GFP) had tried to lobby with them to topple the Manohar Parrikar government.
The allegation comes in the backdrop of Congress leader Atanasio Monserratte switching loyalties to the Sardesai-led political outfit today.
Sardesai has, however, dismissed the Congress' charge as "rubbish".
"Atanasio Monserratte had told us that he and Vijai Sardesai wanted to topple the government when Parrikar was on the US tour recently.
"We refused the toppling as Sardesai wanted to be the chief minister and we wanted someone of integrity to head the state government," All India Congress Committee general secretary A Chellakumar told reporters.

The Congress leader said this reacting to the entry of Monserratte, who was tipped to be party's candidate against Parrikar in Panaji by-election, in the GFP.

When contacted, Sardesai said Chellakumar was making the statements out of frustration.
Refuting Chellakumar's charges, Sardesai said, "when Parrikar was abroad, I was also out of the country, so the question of lobbying to topple the government does not arise."
He said he was not in touch with any Congress leader since the time he has given support to Parrikar-led government.
Chellakumar, however, said that Sardesai was in touch with them to topple the government and had even suggested a candidate for recently held Rajya Sabha election to be fielded on Congress ticket.

"We refused the name of candidate suggested by Sardesai because he was a land grabber and Congress will never allow Goa to be sold," he said.
The Congress leader said Monserratte was not the only option before the party to be fielded for the upcoming Panaji by-election.
"There are several other aspirants and we have enough leaders to contest against Parrikar," he added.