By Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
 
Panaji, May 24:  The Congress party in Goa is attempting to consolidate its strength on the floor of the house by wooing United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP) (Unattached) legislator Atanasio Monserratte to join its fold.
 
“There is a proposal to get Monserratte into the party which was discussed with the party high command in Delhi,” Goa Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Subhash Shirodkar said over phone from Delhi.
 
Monserratte, who has extended support to Digamber kamat led coalition government in the state, will have to resign from his taleigao constituency and join the congress to avoid getting disqualified under tenth schedule.
 
He is currently education minister in the state cabinet and stands expelled from UGDP since August 16, 2007.
 
Shirodkar said that the proposal is mooted as Monserratte had shown willingness to join the party.
 
Last week, Shirodkar along with Monserratte has held first round of meeting with the congress leaders to decide on the induction.
 
“We will have second round in the next week,” Monserratte said confirming his eagerness to join the national political party.
 
Monserratte’s induction is aimed to foster congress’ stand in the 40-seat legislative assembly. As per the current situation, the congress has 18, BJP 14, one UGDP, two independents, three nationalist congress party and two Maharashtrawadi Gomantak party.