Congress keeps its hopes alive to form government

PANAJIrAll India Congress Committee secretary Girish Chodankar on Thursday hinted that the Congress has yet to give up hope on coming to power, especially in the absence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, when he cryptically stated, “We are not desperate to form a government but to topple this unjust government.” rReferring to the recent incidents of desecration of religious structures, Chodankar said, “Ruling allies, who are secular, have not communicated anything yet. But communal harmony is being disrupted. They have to take the initiative and topple this government which does not enjoy people’s mandate. The circumstances provide an opportunity to withdraw support. Admit your mistake and topple the government. We will support your fight.” rHe stated that the Congress Legislative Party is in no hurry to form a government and that the CLP will not compromise on Congress policies and programmes. “Common Minimum Programme will be formulated before formation of the government. We will employ our entire strength to topple the government but we will be equally sensitive in forming a new government,” Chodankar said. rCongress insisted that it is in talks with secular non-BJP ruling allies in order to announce a ‘consensus’ candidate for the upcoming polls to Goa’s Rajya Sabha seat. “There is no consensus within the BJP on its RS candidate Vinay Tendulkar. Their candidate will not get more than 10 votes,” Chodankar stated. rThe AICC secretary further questioned why the CM has refrained from naming an acting CM to take decision on sensitive issues in his absence. r“CM is going on a foreign trip. But no acting CM has been named. It appears that you do not trust any minister from your Cabinet. Why have a Cabinet if you do not trust them and do not rely on them?” Chodankar said taking potshots at the ruling alliance. rMeanwhile, the Congress also questioned the inconsistency in the govt decision pertaining to the entry of sixth offshore casino vessel in River Mandovi. He pointed out that the CoP has closed the Sao Tome channel for transportation till September 15 owing to the rough sea waters. r“Govt is pressuring the CoP to make an exception to its rule to allow towing of the sixth casino vessel into River Mandovi. Why is the government hell bent on getting this vessel into the River despite the obvious perils of the sea while flouting all the rules, quite contrary to its polls promise?” Chodankar questioned.