Congress moves to defuse row over ‘Judas’ remark on Vijai

MARGAO
In a significant political development, Congress Goa Desk in-charge, Manikrao Thakare on Sunday not only distanced himself from the statement made by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao terming Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai “Judas”, but underscored the need to use respectful language towards the allies.

In fact, Thakare said the party would hold discussions with the Goa Forward chief over the issue, apparently in a bid to clear misgivings on Yuri’s statement. Thakare returned to Goa on Sunday afternoon to take stock of the situation and coordinate with party functionaries and allies as party candidate for the Ponda by-poll Ketan Bhatikar is scheduled to file his nomination papers on Monday.

He told the media at a city hotel here after arriving in the State that the statement made by the Leader of Opposition on the Goa Forward chief is his personal opinion and should not be construed as the official position of the party.

In fact, the Goa Desk in-charge is believed to have pointed out that the Opposition leader should avoid criticising colleagues in the Opposition. Instead, he said the Opposition leader should have criticised the BJP if he had something to say.

While stressing on the need to use respectful language towards allies, Thakare said the party would hold discussions with the Goa Forward chief, while reiterating that Yuri’s statement is not the official position of the Congress.

Thakare’s comments come against the backdrop of the demand made by Goa Forward leader Durgadas Kamat demanding an apology from the Leader of Opposition.

It assumes further significance given that the Goa Forward Party has convened a meeting of its Executive Committee on Monday evening to take stock of the situation, claiming that the party rank and file is disturbed over Yuri’s statement directed at the party chief. The regional party will also take a decision on party’s stand on Ponda by-poll.

Thakare’s comments spark unease in Yuri camp

MARGAO: Comments by Congress Goa desk in-charge Manikrao Thakare on Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao’s remark against Vijai Sardesai have sparked resentment within a section of the party.

Sources said Thakare’s statement did not go down well with Alemao’s aides, who felt he should have limited his response to clarifying that the remark was not the party’s official stand. Instead, his suggestion that the Opposition leader should have used respectful language towards allies has drawn criticism. “We are surprised and shocked that he went beyond the party line,” sources close to the Yuri camp said.

Thakare was also scheduled to meet Alemao and Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa on Sunday evening, though it remained unclear if the meeting took place.