MARGAO
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) chief Girish Chodankar has said the party leadership cannot stop those who want to join the party in order to defeat and dislodge the BJP in the coming election.
He, however, hastened to add that alliance with like-minded parties is a different subject, saying the issue will be decided by the party high command.
In fact, Girish threw open an invitation to the people of Goa to come and join if they believe in bringing about a change in government in 2022. “Congress is the only answer to the BJP. Those who want to join the party are welcome to join the party,” he said.
In fact, the GPCC chief said many leaders from both North and South Goa are expected to join the party in the coming days, citing the example of the entry of Sanguem Independent MLA Prasad Gaonkar’s brother into the party fold.
“Ticket is a different issue. The party will conduct a survey in the run up to the polls to finalise the candidates. That has nothing to do with people showing their willingness to join the party,” he added.
On the Benjamin episode, Girish said there were reservations about the former MLA’s decision to join the party on grounds he did not work for the party during the ZP polls.
“Benjamin was not with the Congress during the ZP polls and hence we cannot question his past. I know people have their sentiments. Today Benjamin has come into the party and if we come to know he is working against the party, he will be expelled. But, you cannot close the doors to him today,” he said.
Girish cautioned that the party leadership in Delhi has sent clear signals that the State leadership should not tolerate indiscipline in any form.
