BY ABDUL RAUF BEIG | NT NETWORK

PANAJI: The political happenings earlier in the week, wherein two prominent members of the group of seven joined the Congress party, is likely to give a boost to the prospects of the Congress and change the course of politics in the state and perhaps give an edge to the ruling party in the days ahead.

The entry of the two cabinet ministers would not only strengthen the Congress but also provide much needed stability to the government, which had been facing uncertain times. The government now would be in a position to assert itself and carry forward development and make it visible to public.

Over the past tree years, the government headed by Mr Digambar Kamat had always been on the backfoot and its developmental works were overshadowed by games of "enacted instability" for various political reasons. The Chief Minister, now a relieved leader with the group of seven severely weakened, would be able to show his real prowess as the leader of aam aadmi.

According to political observers, the entry of these two leaders, who have a good following not only in their own constituencies but also in the neighbouring constituencies, would have immediate impact on the fortunes of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party.

Perhaps hurt by the recent political events, the BJP leadership has decided to go all out against the Congress leaders, who it considers have weakened its "future prospects", and has decided to file a disqualification petition against Mr Monserrate and vigorously oppose Mr Vishwajit Rane in the by-elections to be held soon.

Besides, Mr Atanasio Monserrate, the Education Minister, and Mr Vishwajit Rane, the Health Minister, were considered as the main force behind the group of seven, which has been weakened severely with the exit of these two leaders. The Congress leadership by allowing the entry of these leaders has ensured that the government did not have to face instability in future.

Another member of the group, Mr Francisco Xavier Pacheco is surrounded in various controversies and has not be able to provide any support to the group thereby weakening it further. Whether the remnants of the group would be able to put pressure as they did in the past would be known in due course of time.

Though both the leaders have said that their entry into the Congress was unconditional, there might have been some understanding of what they would get in due course of time. The statement by Mr Rane that he has sought a role in strengthening the party was a pointer in that direction.