THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
More than a month after being replaced as Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president, Amit Patkar on Wednesday made his first visit to the party headquarters, Congress House, in Panaji, where he met AICC Goa desk in-charge Manikrao Thakare amid speculation over his future role in the organisation.
The meeting assumed significance as it marked Patkar's first appearance at the party office since Girish Chodankar took over as GPCC chief. Chodankar was also expected to attend the meeting but could not make it due to a prior engagement.
While the details of the discussion were not disclosed, Patkar clarified that his visit was purely official and aimed at handing over documents related to the party that were still in his possession from his tenure as GPCC president.
"There were a few documents that were left to be submitted to the party," Patkar told reporters.
He denied that the meeting was held to discuss any organisational issue or future assignment within the Congress. When asked whether the party leadership was considering giving him a significant responsibility ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, Patkar said, "It is up to the party to decide."
Seeking to dispel speculation of differences within the state unit, Thakare asserted that the Congress leadership remained united and was focused on strengthening the organisation ahead of the 2027 polls.
"There is no conflict with Amit Patkar. He is our leader and is working for the party. There is nothing surprising about his visit to the Congress office,” he said, adding that Chodankar was also expected to attend the meeting but could not do so because of another engagement.
"There is no rift. Amit Patkar knows the responsibility of being a Congress leader. We are all united, and it is our responsibility to take the party forward and strengthen it for the 2027 elections," Thakare said.
The AICC leader also defended the recent organisational changes, saying the appointment of four working presidents was intended to strengthen the party machinery as the Congress prepares for the next Assembly elections.
