Rebels galore in Cong for Goa polls

Congress in Goa is in a bind as the aspirants who have failed to secure party tickets are vowing to queer the pitch for the official nominees for March 3 Assembly polls.

Goa Congress general secretary Vijay Sardesai has announced that he would contest as an Independent from Fatorda seat after he was denied ticket by the party for the sake of M K Sheikh, who was named as the official candidate in the final list of four candidates released yesterday.

Govind Sawant has been allotted ticket from Sanvordem, while Isidore Fernandes and Sankulp Amonkar will be contesting from Canacona and Mormugao constituencies, respectively.

"I discussed with my supporters after I was denied ticket. They want me to contest as an Independent candidate for the development of this constituency," Sardesai said, adding he had "nurtured" the constituency in the last five years.

Former BJP MLA Vijay Pai Khot, who was supposed to join Congress, is also left in the lurch after he was denied ticket to contest from Canacona seat.

There was no official word from Congress over the rebellions though senior leader Oscar Fernandes, who is heading the screening committee, had said the party would try to convince the dissenters.