the goan I network
PANAJI
Voices within the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) continued to speak out against Pratapsingh Rane’s ‘Goans abroad clean toilets’ remark, even after GPCC president Girish Chodankar said that the party did not stand with Rane, and the Mahila Congress asked for an apology from Rane.
This time, it was the turn of 6 or 7 Congress spokespeople, who held a meeting to discuss the same, and came to the conclusion that Rane should either explain his statement, or take it back.
They also said that if Rane did not apologise for his statements, they would ask the high command within the Congress to ‘take action’ against Rane, although they refused to comment on what this action would be.
Spokespeople Janardhan Bhandari, Amarnath Panjikar, Sidhnath Buyao, Urfan Mullah, Vijay Bhike, and Sankalp Amonkar jointly said that Rane should apologise as Goans who had left their families behind to earn their livelihoods abroad had felt hurt upon hearing Rane’s statement.
However, they also said that in case Rane’s statement had been misunderstood, the senior Congress leader, could explain what he meant, as it could be possible that he had not intended for it to be mocking.
When questioned as to why none of the MLAs, except Reginaldo Lourenco, had spoken out against Rane, and why it was only the spokespeople making statements, Buyao said, “We cannot speak about why the MLAs have not come forward. But we are upset over Rane’s statement and would like him to apologise.”
Bhike said that they could not comment on why the Congress MLAs weren’t speaking out, but the youth within the party had come together to ask Rane to apologise.
GPCC awaits Rane’s clarification on overseas Goans’ remark
MARGAO: Saying that Congress understands the sentiments of overseas Goans hurt by the statement of senior Congress leader Pratapsingh Rane, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar on Saturday said that senior party leaders are in touch with the former Chief Minister to clarify his statement.
The GPCC Chief, however, made it clear that none of the party MLAs objected when Rane made the statement on the floor of the House.
“Anyone can view the video footage. Not a single Congress MLA thumped his desk after Rane’s speech. The MLAs may be mum on the Rane episode, but I have clarified our stand on behalf of the party,” Girish said.
The GPCC chief exuded confidence that Pratapsing Rane will clarify his stand as soon as possible “The former Chief Minister was out of town and was expected to return today (Saturday). Party leaders are in touch with him to clarify his statement,” Girish said.
