MAPUSA
The Congress has taken the first step to end the defection virus in the State and it’s for the people of Goa now to take the second step, said State Congress President, Girish Chodankar suggesting that people should vote to bring a new change in Goa.
Chodankar also said, on Saturday, that Trinamool Congress was rejected by Goans twice earlier and this time too they would be shown the door.
“Respecting the sentiments of Goans we have taken a strong stand not to take the 10 defectors back into Congress. We have passed a resolution and also convinced the Delhi leadership on the issue. We appeal to every self-respecting Goan not to elect such people again,” Chodankar said.
“Goa’s politics needs a breath of fresh air and for that the virus of defection should end,” he added.
The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee chief was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a function to commemorate Gandhi Jayanthi in Chapora.
Continuing, Chodankar said senior national leaders will discuss on the formation of alliances for the forthcoming polls but ruled out any truck with the TMC.
He said central leaders P Chidambaram and Goa desk in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao will discuss with the leaders and work out the modalities on alliances.
“They are open for alliance but with whom and how it will be done will be worked out after holding talks with the karyakartas, people and the leaders. Ultimately, whatever Goans want will happen,” he said.
He, however, said there was no question of forming an alliance with TMC which is yet to announce its president in the State.
“They have stepped into Goa just three months before the elections. They have neither announced its president nor a party structure. Looks like they have come with a certain agenda in the State,” he said.
On whether TMC entry in the State would affect the prospects of Congress, the GPCC President said people of Goa were literate and alert and will not fall prey to pre-election gimmicks of political parties.
“Initially, even Congress had to work hard to win over the hearts of the Goans. Congress party was in the forefront during the nation’s freedom, fought for Goa’s freedom and contributed during the Goa’s Opinion Poll but still people did not accept Congress easily and took time. TMC will never be accepted by the people of Goa. They should have a structure and work in the State,” he said.
Slamming the former CM and Navelim MLA Luizinho Faleiro who recently quit Congress and joined the TMC, he said Faleiro enjoyed all the posts in the party in Goa and even at the national level except that he did not become the AICC president.
“He (Faleiro) took a retirement package for selfish interest and did not want Congress to regain power. He could not stand people joining the Congress,” he said.
President of Siolim Congress Block, Parvati Nagvenkar, senior Congress leaders Babhi Bhagkar, Dattaram Pednekar, ex-Siolim Sodiem sarpanch Francis Fernandes and others were also present.
