MARGAO
After going into hibernation for some time now, flamboyant former Minister Mickky Pacheco is back in action, this time strongly batting for the Congress party, even saying those favouirng an alliance should instead merge with the principal opposition party.
That’s not all. He sang in praise of beleaguered Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) chief Girish
Chodankar and lashed out at those demanding a change in guard, including South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha.
The former Minister further said he has an option to contest from both Benaulim and Nuvem constituencies, which he had represented in the Goa Legislative Assembly in the past.
Addressing the media on Sunday, Mickky claimed he has been in close touch with the Congress High Command, even saying the Congress top leadership will take a call on the Goa leadership within the next two weeks.
“I am directly in touch with the Congress high command. I have given my 16-page independent report to the Congress leadership on how to re-build the party in Goa ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections”, he said.
Saying that the Pacheco family from Betalbatim has also been strong Congress supporters since the beginning, Mickky said he is ready to take the Congress party forward in Goa. “I am ready to give 24x7 for politics now. I have a clean slate. Unlike many politicians, I have no cases against me nor any file was sent for investigation during my stint as a minister”, he said.
Saying the battle lines for 2022 are clearly drawn between the Congress and the BJP, Micky has opposed an alliance with any party, saying those favouring an alliance should merge with the Congress.
He said he was never against the Congress but had to turn against the party because of a handful of Congress leaders. “I was instrumental in bringing down the Parrikar government in 2002. But, some Congress leaders played dirty with me by sending central agencies to probe into my business”, he said.
Congress ticket is not an issue, Mickky said adding he along with over 3000 youth from across Goa will join the Congress after all issues with the High Command are settled within the next two weeks.
On alliance, he firmly opposed any alliance between the Congress and other parties, even saying that regional parties and independents resort to horse trading after elections. “Parties looking forward for alliances should merge with the Congress. Some leaders supported the BJP because of Manohar Parrikar. Then there were these turncoats who will be taught a lesson in the election”, he said.
SOLIDLY BEHIND GIRISH, SLAMS SARDINHA
MARGAO: Saluting GPCC chief Girish Chodankar for sincerely leading the Congress party, Mickky Pacheco slammed South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha for demanding removal of the GPCC Chief, reminding that it was the MP who had brought the BJP to power in Goa two decades ago.
“Girish is a hard core Congressmen. He has sincerely led the party. Whoever is making allegations against Girish should remember that he has led the party through good and bad times. Poor fellow is drowning, but I will hold his hand to bring him up”, he said.
Directing his tirade at MP Sardinha for demanding a change in leadership, the former minister said this is not the right time to target anyone when the party is going to the polls. “Sardinha’s statement was in bad taste. The MP should remember that BJP started rising in Goa after Sardinha indirectly got the saffron party to power. He has no right to criticize Girish”, he said, adding he is ready to work under the leadership of Girish.
