AAP leader Rebello rules out contesting Goa polls

Panaji: AAP's prominent Goa leader Dr Oscar Rebello, who was speculated to be the party's chief ministerial face, has ruled out contesting the state Assembly elections due next year.

Rebello, a practising physician, came into limelight in 2006-07 when he, as convener of Goa Bachao Abhiyaan, had opposed the Regional plan (land use plan) through a mass agitation, following which the then Town and Country Planning Minister Atanasio Monserratte had resigned from his post.

"I would like to put the record straight that due to my profession and family commitments, I will definitely not contest the election," Rebello told reporters here yesterday, laying to rest speculation about him being the AAP's chief ministerial candidate.

He said though he will not be contesting, he will continue to devote his time to AAP and work full time for the party during the forthcoming state polls.

Hinting that AAP may not project a CM face in advance, Rebello said the party is likely to chose chief minister (if it wins the polls) from the victorious candidates.

The Goa Assembly polls are due before March 2017.