the goan I network
CANACONA
After admitting having received calls and offers from BJP and other parties, Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes on Thursday pledged his allegiance to the Congress party in the presence of South Goa Congress candidate and former chief minister Francisco Sardinha and sarpanchas from Canacona taluka.
The Canacona MLA’s assurance was a major relief for the Congress party, as he laid to rest rumours and speculations about his possible departure to the BJP, following the high drama by BJP in getting two MGP MLAs to split from their party.
Fernandes reaffirmed his loyalty to the Congress during a meeting convened by South Goa Congress candidate Francisco Sardinha, to prepare for his campaign strategy in Canacona for the Lok Sabha polls.
Sardinha promised that if elected as South Goa MP, he would take up issues in Canacona as MP and would make routine visits to panchayats and the municipality to address the needs of the constituents.
Most sarpanchas and panchas, who are supporters of the Canacona MLA, and Congress block and youth leaders, then asked Fernandes about his political stand, in view of recent offers to leave the Congress party.
Responding in the presence of Sardinha, Fernandes clarified that he was not going anywhere and pledged to remain with the Congress party.
“I am and will be with the Congress party. This is my word to all Congress workers of my constituency and I request them to work for the success of the Congress candidate Sardinha in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections,” he said.
Those present at the meeting, which included Canacona Congress leaders Pralay Bhagat, Shubam Komarpant, GPCC Secretary Mahadev Desai, Sanju Naik and Pravir Bhandari, who took part in deliberations along with Sardinha and Fernandes to chalk out the Congress campaign programme in Canacona.
Poinguinim Sarpanch Jagdish Tawadkar, Cotigao Sarpanch Umesh Gaonkar and Gaondongrim Sarpanch Suman Gaonkar were present, while the sarpanchas of Loliem-Polem and Agonda, who are also supporters of Fernandes, could not attend as they were busy in other
meetings.
