Thakare backs Yuri, accuses Vijai of siding with govt; Goa Forward hits back, says issue ‘closed’
PANAJI
Amid escalating political sparring over the curtailed Budget session of the Goa Assembly and signs of strain within opposition ranks, the AICC Goa desk-in-charge Manikrao Thakare on Tuesday accused Goa Forward Party (GFP) chief Vijai Sardesai of virtually backing the government’s move, even as the GFP shot back asserting full support to its leader and declaring the issue “closed”.
In a video message, Thakare strongly backed Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, a day after his earlier remarks were interpreted as the Congress distancing itself from Alemao over his “Judas” jibe at Sardesai.
Dismissing such claims as “wrong and malicious”, Thakare clarified that the party stands firmly behind Alemao. “The Congress party fully backs Yuri’s stand in the Assembly. Construing my observation on the use of a word against Vijai Sardesai as lack of confidence in Yuri is completely incorrect,” he said.
Stepping up the attack, Thakare alleged that Sardesai “almost spoke in favour of the government decision” to cut short the Budget session, at a time when the opposition was attempting to raise public issues. He maintained that opposition MLAs, led by Alemao, had taken a “proper and justified” stand against curtailing the session.
While noting that Sardesai had raised a point of order citing the Model Code of Conduct, Thakare said that his overall stance appeared aligned with the ruling side. “In that atmosphere, Yuri Alemao’s reaction was natural,” he added, clarifying that his earlier comments were limited to advising restraint in the use of certain words during heated exchanges.
Reiterating support, Thakare described Alemao as a “tall Congress leader” and said he enjoys full freedom to take decisions on behalf of the party.
Responding sharply, the Goa Forward Party rallied behind Sardesai, with its State Executive affirming support for its president’s stand in the Assembly. The party criticised the Congress for reopening the issue and said it had “forgiven and forgotten” the episode, considering the matter closed.
The GFP also urged political rivals to move on and focus on the ongoing by-poll campaign instead of revisiting past controversies.
