PANAJI: Former Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) president Manoj Parab will officially return to the party on November 22, RGP General Secretary Vishvesh Naik announced on Tuesday, bringing an end to months of uncertainty over Parab’s association with the regional outfit.
Addressing a press conference, Naik said the decision followed several rounds of internal discussions and appeals from party workers across Goa who wanted Parab to return. “This was not an overnight decision. There were a series of meetings, and finally we succeeded in convincing him to take back his membership and make his comeback on the 22nd,” Naik said, adding that Parab would formally appear before the media and the people of Goa at a major party meeting on that day.
Naik said Parab, who played a key role in building RGP and mobilising thousands of young people to join the regional political movement, was deeply hurt by developments within the party and subsequently stepped away. He said Parab's absence had affected the organisation and left several party workers disappointed. Naik also acknowledged the efforts of party treasurer Ajay Kholkar, who continued holding meetings and maintaining contact with the former president even when he stayed away from the public and media.
Describing RGP as an important regional political force, Naik said the party had realised the importance of its original leadership and ideology during Parab's absence. He alleged that the party's core ideology and manifesto had been sidelined following the internal developments. “Our land protection, conservation of natural resources and the issue of land grabbing are matters we will take up firmly once again,” he said.
Naik maintained that the party had not split but had instead been “filtered”, claiming that those associated with the organisation for selfish interests had moved away. He alleged that Parab's decision to step aside was linked to RGP MLA Viresh Borkar and his associates.
On the question of party leadership, Naik clarified that the tenure of the current organisational executive body runs until January 13, 2027. He said any decision regarding the party president's position would have to be taken by the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the General Body. “Whether a president is to be removed or replaced is something the CEC and the General Body will decide. The decision rests with the members,” he said, adding that Parab's return was not driven by a demand for the president's post.
On the dispute over the party's recognition and election symbol, Naik asserted that RGP's existing committee continued to be the recognised organisational body and that the football symbol belonged to the party. He said objections had already been filed with the Election Commission against the claims made by another group.
Dismissing allegations concerning Rs 3 crore in party funds, Naik said the party's bank account had only undergone changes in its authorised signatories and that the allegations were being addressed formally. Responding to questions about a possible alliance with Congress, Naik said RGP had no involvement in discussions reportedly being held with individuals who were no longer recognised members of the party.
