Panaji: The Congress, heading the ruling coalition in Goa, on Sunday said Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will not be projected as its candidate for the top post in run up to the Assembly elections scheduled next year.

Jagmeet Singh Brar, Congress` Goa desk in-charge, told reporters here that the party will not project anybody as Chief Ministerial candidate during the polls likely in June. "We will decide about the Chief Minister only after the elections," Brar maintained.

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Kamat has been handling the Mines portfolio for the last 12 years and faced severe criticism over the multi-crore illegal mining scam in Goa, which came to light recently.

A report by Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had held him responsible for the mining mess in the state, and the Opposition has sought his resignation. Kamat has, however, denied any wrongdoing. Brar said newly-elected Congress MLAs will decide who would be the next Chief Minister.

All India Congress Committee Secretary Sudhakar Reddy, who along with Brar is in Goa to discuss the issue of pre-poll alliance, said Congress has a tradition of electing Chief Minister after polls.

"Congress Legislative Party (CLP) and high command will decide the person," he said. Kamat, a former BJP MLA who switched over to Congress after toppling the saffron outfit-led Government in 2005, had emerged as a consensus candidate for the CM after 2007 polls.

Two former Chief Ministers, Pratapsingh Rane and Ravi Naik, were also in the race for the top post in 2007, but the party high command threw its weight behind Kamat.

PTI