the goan I network
MARGAO/PANAJI
The Congress on Friday said the party would welcome any move to bring down the BJP-led government in Goa, but sent clear signals that the party will not do any business with parties and individuals who were responsible for bringing the BJP to power after the 2017 Assembly election.
In fact, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) Chief Girish Chodankar was categorical in saying that the Congress would be ready to do business with the 18 MLAs of the BJP ready to quit the ruling party (as per the reports doing the rounds), but made it quite clear that the party will prefer to sit in the opposition if the 18 also want the Goa Forward, MGP and Independents in any government.
“The Congress will be more than happy and welcome any move to dislodge the BJP-led government in Goa for the simple reason that this government is in power without the popular mandate. But the Congress will not do any business with the very people, who were instrumental in bringing the BJP to power after the 2017 election,” Girish said, while referring to the support extended by the Goa Forward, MGP and independents to the BJP after the 2017 Assembly election.
Moreover, Girish pointed out that the Goa Forward Party is still a member of the National Democratic Alliance led by the BJP.
“We have doubts why these people have suddenly made noise against the BJP government. After all, both PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are their leaders by virtue of them being alliance partner. It may be an attempt to show to the NDA that they are doing something and may even accept an offer for their swearing-in as ministers if called by the Modi-Amit duo,” Girish said, adding that people of Goa doubt the intention of Goa Forward since it is still a part of the NDA.
He pointed out that those having the required numbers to dislodge the BJP may not need the support of the Congress party, adding that the Congress would be happy to play the role of the opposition. “The Goa Forward Party, MGP and the Independents had given the Congress the role of Opposition after they joined hands to bring the BJP to power. Our role now is to take up the issues of the people and we will always remain with the people,” he added.
Congress spokesperson Trajano D’Mello dismissed it as mere bravado by Sardesai to gain political relevance. “Is it a legislative front or a political front which he is talking about?” D’Mello asked, adding that Sardesai’s outfit had helped the BJP illegitimately install a government in 2017 when it had finished second after the Congress in the polls.
