the goan I network
PANAJI
The Goa Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution congratulating Congress president elect Rahul Gandhi on being elevated as the party's president even as Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, while supporting the resolution passed a snide remark about dynasty politics coming full circle.
"I join in congratulating, I call it an event. Though it completes the circle of dynasty politics once again. I congratulate Rahul Gandhi on elevation," Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said.
Earlier, Congress leaders expressed an outpouring of best wishes to their new president and expressed the hope that he would take the party forward to newer heights.
The motion was moved by Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavalekar who spoke about the role and challenges that lay ahead for the young leader.
"The people of India and especially the people of Goa have a special place for the Congress party," party veteran Luizinho Faleiro said recalling how the party brought Goa liberation from the "Portuguese yoke" and later a plebiscite at the hands of Indira Gandhi and still later statehood.
Congress leader Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenço said that Gandhi had a difficult task on his hands because of what he is up against.
"It is a challenge he has to accept. Opposition had projected him in such bad light. In such difficult times when people complain there is no freedom to speak, write to progress he has taken charge. Just yesterday we heard how priests were attacked in Madhya Pradesh. In such an environment he is taking charge," Lourenço said also recalling how
his father and grandmother died in the service of the nation.
"None of the other parties leaders can claim this. We will fight for our party to strengthen the hands of Rahul Gandhi," Lourenço promised.
Veteran leader Pratapsing Rane recalled how he was a member of this House when both Indira and later Rajiv were assassinated and he had gone for their last rites.
"May God give him strength and bring him to the helm of affairs," Rane said.
Besides Parrikar no members of the ruling BJP or coalition party members spoke on the motion.
Rahul Gandhi said he loves Goa very much. He has maintained this trend. He asked me are you from Goa. To take this challenge is very difficult even after knowing. He takes up his responsibility.
