MARGAO
Political developments unfolding in the State during the weekend seemed to have left the BJP rank and file in Margao not only confused but in a wait-and-watch situation.
As their long-time political foe, BJP-turned-Congress MLA Digambar Kamat is in the eye of a political storm over his reported bid to quit the Congress and return to the BJP fold, party rank and file seemed groping in the dark over the unfolding developments and seeking answers from the leadership.
BJP workers have no indication about how the political developments will further unfold in the State and their impact on the city, even as party leaders have been trying to get in touch with State leaders to find out the truth behind reports of the Margao MLA leaving the Congress to embrace the party.
One thing, however, seemed clear that while the local leadership may veer to the view that while the two-third Congress group led by Kamat may be welcomed if that helps to strengthen the party, they seemed strongly opposed to the idea of the Margao MLA alone quitting the party to join the BJP.
A city-based leader said that party workers will have no option but to toe the line of the party leadership if it welcomes Kamat back into the party fold along with eight other MLAs if that serves the party's interest. He, however, hastened to add that BJP should not allow Kamat into the party if no other Congress MLA joins him to leave the opposition party.
“In what way will BJP benefit if Kamat decides to alone quit the party. The party should not open the doors for Kamat if he wants to come into the party alone, minus other MLAs,” the local leader stated.
Added another leader: “Kamat has been vindictive towards the local BJP leaders and workers who had dared to challenge him in Margao. Personally, I am not in favour of Kamat returning to the party fold if he does not join the party with the two-third member group.”
When The Goan called up BJP Margao Mandal president Rupesh Mahatme to shed light on the emerging developments, he said the party has to date not briefed anything on the Kamat episode.
“We are also watching the emerging situation. The party leadership has to date not briefed the local party leaders. We have no idea over the unfolding developments,” Mahatme said.
Another city-based leader Sharmad Raiturkar said they have received no information from the State BJP leadership over the unfolding developments. "We have no idea whatsoever whether the Margao MLA is quitting the Congress or is joining the BJP. Unless we receive concrete information on the developments, it is not fair to comment,” Sharmad said.
He added: “It appears that the political developments are an internal matter of the Congress party. And, it is for those, who have sworn before God, to face the Almighty. We have nothing to say.”
Both Rupesh and Sharmad have in the past crossed swords against the Margao MLA since the time Kamat had quit the party in 2005. Sharmad, in particular, has been a vocal critic of the seven-time Margao MLA, having locked horns with Kamat on three occasions, since the 2005 by-election, when the Congress MLA had managed to retain the seat by a narrow margin.
Parrikar supporters oppose return of Digambar
MARGAO
Ardent followers of former BJP chief minister late Manohar Parrikar’s ideals and principles seemed strongly opposed to the return of Congress Margao MLA Digambar Kamat to the party-fold.
After having been held responsible for the downfall of the Manohar Parrikar-led government in 2005, many an ardent follower of the late chief minister may find it hard to digest that Kamat may be finally back in the BJP.
Party leaders in private admit that the late chief minister enjoyed a significant following in the commercial capital, in both Margao and Fatorda, adding "We will have to wait and see how Parrikar’s supporters will react if Kamat indeed decides to return to the party fold.”
Party leader Sharmad Raiturkar, who had in the past pointed out that the party leadership will have to take into account the sentiments of the workers before opening the party doors for Kamat, has reiterated his stand that late Parrikar was deeply hurt over Kamat’s decision to quit the BJP and bring down the government.
“I stand by my statement that late Parrikar was deeply hurt over Kamat’s decision to quit the party. Even we all were hurt after the Parrikar-led government collapsed after Kamat’s decision,” he added.
