VALPOI: In an unexpected development, social activist and prominent businessman, Mr Vishwesh Prabhu from Valpoi has decided to file his nomination papers as an independent candidate for the Valpoi by- election, on Monday.

Rumours were doing rounds from Thursday, when the Health Minister, Mr Vishwajeet Rane had filed his nomination papers for the by-poll that Mr Prabhu intends to contest as an independent candidate; when, this correspondent contacted Mr Prabhu, he confirmed this.

Speaking to media, Mr Vishwesh Prabhu, son of ex-MLA, Mr Ashok Parob, disclosed that he will be contesting the by-poll and will file his nomination papers as an independent candidate on Monday.

Interestingly, Mr Vishwesh Prabhu’s decision to contest the by-poll as an independent candidate has surprised everyone, especially, when Mr Ashok Parob himself has filed nomination papers as a dummy candidate for Mr Rane, on Thursday. They are also known to have close ties with Rane family for decades.

Mr Prabhu has, however, said that if his father, Mr Ashok Parob is contesting independently, he will back him and will not file his nomination papers on Monday.

Meanwhile, Mr Prabhu has charged the Congress party of using his father and filing his nomination papers as dummy candidate even though he being a senior most Congress worker and an ex-MLA of Valpoi constituency.

"Is this how Congress is rewarding my father for his loyalty?" he questioned adding, "I am against the tactics used to attract the voters.’’

Subsequently, appealing to the people, he said that any individual besides political parties wanting to give him unconditional support for the betterment of Sattari, will be most welcome.