MARGAO
As social media reports of Congress MLA Digambar Kamat’s moves to quit the Congress virtually kicked up a storm in political circles throughout Wednesday, all appeared cool and calm at Malbhat “ the residence-cum-office of the former Chief Minister.
Regular visitors on the road passing by Kamat’s apartment, however, appeared a confused lot over the emerging reports “ whether to believe in the social media reports over Kamat’s imminent exit or to consider the silence in and around the residence as the lull before the political storm.
There was hardly any activity around the office and residence since Kamat along with his wife had headed to Delhi on Tuesday morning. Till noon, the duo did not return home and a couple of supporters, who visited the place returned home upon being told that the MLA was out of station.
By evening, Kamat was back home and he preferred to refute all the reports as speculation and rumours spread by his opponents to create a sensation.
Sources said reports of Kamat quitting the party gained credence following reports that the eight-time Margao MLA as well as his die-hard supporters appeared totally unhappy with the party denying him the position of Congress Legislature Party (CLP).
While Kamat has been categorical in rejecting theories of quitting the Congress, sources, however, said the former Chief Minister and his supporters are unhappy with the turn of events leading to the appointment of Michael Lobo as the Leader of the Opposition.
Even Kamat would not deny in private that his supporters could not believe and digest the news that the party leadership has denied him the CLP post.
A supporter said, “Our leader knows for sure that supporters would give vent to their feeling and anger over the way he (Kamat) has been treated by the party. In view of the appointment of the CLP leader, even we have been left to wonder now whether our leader would have been considered for the post of Chief Minister in the event the party had won with a majority.”
Another supporter echoed similar sentiments.”After all, the Congress party had never projected Kamat as the Chief Ministerial face and the party would have taken this alibi to deny him the Chief Ministerial position in the event of Congress’ victory in the polls.”
