OLD GOA
Stating that factionalism has resulted in the downfall of political parties like the Congress, Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar said such things should not be allowed to happen in the BJP.
Madkaikar made the statement while addressing BJP workers at Sao Mathias panchayat hall on Thursday, during the Cumbarjua constituency tour of BJP State president Sadanand Tanavade.
Madkaikar’s statement was made against the background of supporters of his opponent, Siddesh Naik, shouting slogans in favour of Naik when the constituency tour began.
Speaking at the meeting, Madkaikar said, “I am an MLA who has worked with political parties like MGP, Congress and BJP. What is happening in other parties should not be allowed to happen in the BJP.”
“This is my man, these are my supporters that should not happen in BJP. After all, we are all workers of the BJP who should work for the party.”
”The downfall of the Congress party was the result of factionalism within the party as various leaders would portray their own men as candidates, resulting in infighting. This way, they have finished the Congress,” he opined and advised that such types of things should not be allowed to happen in BJP.
“When I was in Congress, former chief minister late Manohar Parrikar asked me to join BJP as he said he wanted to make Goa Congress free. He told me that if I joined BJP it would be of great help to achieve the target,” Madkaikar informed.
Madkaikar also took a dig at his opponents for spreading false rumours about him.
“When I was unwell, rumours were spread that I died. The same people are now spreading rumours that I am not fit and that I would not contest elections. These are the people who feel that till the time that Madkaikar is there, they don’t stand a chance. So, I want to tell my workers that I will contest elections come what may,” he added.
“If the BJP wants me to be their candidate or not, they will decide. However, there is a procedure within the party on the selection of a candidate. I have full faith in the BJP leadership that they will renominate me as BJP candidate. I will undertake campaigning in the constituency henceforth and will not stop till the elections are over,” Madkaikar stated.
