Panaji: A senior Congress party on Thursday said that the party should challenge break away of its group to join BJP claiming that such a move invites anti-defection law.
Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, one of a senior Congress MLA, told reporters that the party should challenge the split before the competent authorities as it attracts anti-defection law.
Lourenco met All India Congress Committee Secretary A Chellakumar in South Goa to discuss the ongoing crisis within the party, after it was reduced to single digit of five in 40-seat House.
“I have told them (party leaders) that we have to challenge this action. The Anti Defection law bans such kind of split in national party, it can happen in local (regional) party,” he said.
Lourenco, who is amongst those who did not switch over on Wednesday night, said that the split was “not properly organised.”
“Even if they have to split, they have to taken into confidence Pradesh Congress Committee,” he added.
“I have already explained to the party leaders that we cannot take this lying down,” Lourenco added.
The split in the Congress party has happened few days before the monsoon session of legislative assembly, which is scheduled to begin from July 15. Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar headed the break away group.
Lourenco said that the reduction of strength on the floor of the House would not have an impact on congress as an opposition.
“We will continue to be tough opposition on the floor of the House,” he said.
Where is the party dear? Season is over.