Panaji: Goa`s former Tourism Minister and
controversial NCP leader Fransisco `Miccky` Pacheco on Friday
resigned as a member of the Legislative Assembly, two months
ahead of the State elections.
Pacheco, who represents Benaulim constituency,
submitted his resignation to Assembly Speaker Pratapsingh
Rane, said he will also quit NCP and join a regional outfit.
The former Minister is the third MLA to resign. Two
BJP legislators, Rajesh Patnekar and Dayanand Sopte - had
quit last month and joined the Congress, which is heading the
coalition Government in the coastal state.
The resignations have brought down the strength of 40-
member House to 37. NCP, which is part of the ruling combine,
has two MLAs now.
Pacheco told reporters he has decided to join Goa
Vikas Party (GVP), a regional outfit headed by his wife Viola.
GVP had become defunct but it has been rejuvenated
ahead of the Assembly elections on March 3.
The legislator had to lose his Ministerial berth after
his name cropped up in a criminal case last year. He was
accused by the police of abetting the alleged suicide of Nadia
Torraddo, his close friend.
Pacheco was also investigated by the CBI for alleged
money laundering offence.
PTI
