Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha resigned as MLA
Gomantak Times
Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha on Thursday, December 16, submitted her resignation to the speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, reducing the total strength of the 40-member house to 35.
While speculation is rife that she may soon be inducted into AAP, Saldanha said she will announce her decision in a couple of days.
"I have resigned for valid reason because the party that late Jose Matanhy de Saldanha had joined and after his demise, I have stepped into his shoes and its no longer the same party. The party seems to have forgotten all its principle. Nobody knows who is coming in and going out from the party. I attended the meeting yesterday of the party and I will not mention but there was one certain sentence made by one of stalwart leader of the party, that made me realise that it is time to leave the party. So I left. ," the 60-year old leader told reporters after submitting her resignation.
On being asked whether she is joining AAP, Saldana said she has not taken any decision although many parties are in touch with her. Many other parties are in touch, but I have still not decided to join any party. But I have think, I have to consult and I will not do anything in haste no matter who tries to persuade me, I will see the pros and cons and I will consult to my of constituency people and accordingly I will take the decision," she said.
The former environment minister is the wife of late Mathany Saldanha, a former minister in the Manohar Parrikar cabinet. Mathany died in 2012 after which Alina has been representing the Cortalim seat in the assembly. She won the election on BJP ticket in the 2017 state elections.