Speaking to reporters after a meeting chaired by AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal, and attended by GPCC President Girish Chodankar, AICC Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira, and other senior leaders, Patkar said the discussions focused on reviewing the party's organisation and preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections.
"For the last four years, we have strengthened the Congress party in Goa. If some people leave or new parties are formed, it does not weaken the Congress. This talk of a split is a BJP narrative," Patkar said.
Referring to the recently announced political outfit allegedly floated by former Congress leaders, he said people should instead question "who is really behind the new party" and whether it has links with the BJP.
Patkar also criticised sections of the media for amplifying what he described as an orchestrated campaign.
"Someone has planted this narrative. Even people from the media were calling me about notices and rumours. We should not spread unverified speculation," he said.
Clarifying his earlier remarks on Congress meetings, Patkar said there had never been any confusion regarding official party meetings.
"I am a part of the Indian National Congress. When the General Secretary convenes a meeting, I receive official intimation and attend it. I was speaking in that context," he said.
Echoing Patkar's remarks, GPCC President Girish Chodankar rejected claims of a split in the Congress, saying all senior leaders were united.
"Where is the split? All Congress leaders have met. Not a single Congress member is part of the newly formed party. Just because the BJP keeps saying 'split', everyone is repeating it," Chodankar said, accusing the ruling party of spreading misinformation.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said the Congress would remain focused on dislodging what he described as the "corrupt" BJP government in Goa rather than getting distracted by political developments.
"Our focus is to oust this corrupt BJP government. For the last four years, we have consistently exposed corruption, the deteriorating law and order situation, crimes, murders, rapes and the government's failures. We will continue that fight," Alemao said.
He said the party would intensify its campaign on corruption, law and order, unemployment, environmental protection and land-related issues. As part of its outreach programme, the Congress will hold meetings in all 40 Assembly constituencies before launching a proposed statewide yatra in September.
