Alexio Sequeira Minister: Former Goa Energy Minister and MLA Alexo Sequeira, who left Congress and joined BJP, took oath as minister on Sunday (November 19). He took oath after BJP-led Goa government minister Nilesh Cabral resigned from the cabinet. Alexo Sequeira took the oath of office and secrecy in the presence of Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
According to the report of news agency IANS, while talking to journalists after taking oath as minister, Alexo Sequeira said that he will do whatever he can in the interest of the people of the state. “We will win both the Lok Sabha seats,” he said.
Joined BJP last year
On September 14 last year, Alexo Sequeira, along with former chief ministers Digambar Kamat, Michael Lobo, Delilah Lobo, Kedar Naik, Sankalp Amonkar, Rajesh Phaldesai and Rudolph Fernandes, left the Congress and joined the BJP. Due to this, Congress was left with only three MLAs in the 40-member assembly.
Alexo was to be given ministerial post
Sources said that Alexo Sequeira was promised a place in the cabinet at the time of joining BJP. There was also speculation in political circles that along with Alexo, Digambar Kamat, Michael Lobo and Sankalp Amonkar might get the ministry. However, sources have said that the BJP government may take a decision in this regard in future.
Why did Nilesh Cabral resign?
Nilesh Cabral, who resigned from the cabinet in the state government, had four departments including Law and Judiciary, Environment, Legislative Affairs and Public Works. After his resignation, Alexo got a place in the cabinet.
Speaking to reporters after his resignation, Cabral said that he had resigned on the request of party leaders and the Chief Minister. Those who left Congress and joined BJP were given a commitment which was necessary to be fulfilled.
Home Minister’s statement was condemned
Cabral, a third-time MLA, was the only BJP leader to condemn Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement on the Mhadei Basin diversion issue. In January, during an assembly election rally in Belagavi-Karnataka, Shah had said, “Today I am here to tell you that the BJP at the Center has resolved the long-standing dispute between Goa and Karnataka over Mhadei. “Has been resolved and permission has been given to divert Mhadei to Karnataka to quench the thirst of farmers of many districts.”
After this, Cabral had said in January, “I strongly condemn Amit Shah’s statement.” We are against taking water out of the Mhadei Basin.” After his statement, the discussion about his resignation from the cabinet had intensified.
read this also: Congress alleged lack of basic facilities in organizing National Games, said irregularities should be investigated
