PANAJI
Facing open dissent, resignations and growing resentment within its ranks following the reappointment of Girish Chodankar as Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president, the Congress on Monday sought to contain the damage, insisting that "resentment is natural" and stressing that the party's mission to defeat the BJP in 2027 is bigger than any individual leader.
The All India Congress Committee's (AICC) decision to replace Amit Patkar and bring back Chodankar at the helm has triggered turmoil within the State unit, with several leaders and workers openly expressing dissatisfaction over the leadership change just months ahead of preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections.
In a statement issued on Monday, the GPCC acknowledged the discontent but attempted to project unity. "Resentment after appointments is natural in any political party. We respect every viewpoint and will reach out to everyone. Our effort will be to unite every Congress worker and leader under one banner and move forward together. The mission is bigger than individuals. The mission is Goa," the GPCC said.
The party reiterated that its primary objective remains defeating the BJP and forming the next government in Goa in the 2027 Assembly polls.
Earlier, speaking to the media, Chodankar also admitted that the leadership change had sparked resentment but described it as a routine political reaction and that such things had to be handled politically with a consultative approach.
"Whenever someone is removed, some resentment is natural. Such decisions are a part of the process in every political party. Some dissent is always there. We have to handle it politically and have a consultative approach and involve everyone," Chodankar said.
In an apparent message to disgruntled leaders, he expressed confidence that loyal Congress workers would not publicly damage the party.
"Those who are loyal to the party and have been with the party for long will not go to the public to damage the party in any way," he said.
Chodankar said his immediate focus would be to rebuild unity within the organisation and bring back workers who had distanced themselves from the party.
"My priority is to reunite all the Congress workers and those who have turned away from the party. I have already spoken to them and asked them to return, so that we have a strong team," he said.
On the possibility of a broader Opposition alliance against the BJP in 2027, Chodankar indicated that the Congress was increasingly open to discussions.
"The people of Goa feel that all Opposition parties should be united. I think a consensus is now building in our party also. All decisions shall be taken in consultation with Delhi. We have to convince the people of Goa to give us an absolute majority," he said.
