PANAJI
Reports of Ketan Bhatikar’s imminent induction into the Congress ahead of the Ponda Assembly bye-election have triggered sharp divisions within the party.
The Ponda Block Congress Committee has strongly objected to the move. In a letter routed through GPCC President Amit Patkar to AICC Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare, the committee expressed “deep concern and discontent” over reports that Bhatikar may be considered for the party ticket.
Block office-bearers and grassroots workers alleged that the move bypasses the democratic process and disregards local sentiments.
They have pointed out in the letter that Bhatikar had already announced on social media that he would join the Congress on February 24 at 3:30 pm, even before any formal consultation with the block committee. This, they said, has “aggravated frustration and anger” among workers who feel disrespected.
The committee demanded that the promised meeting with party leadership be convened within two days in the presence of Thakare, so workers can present objections directly.
Ponda leader Rajesh Verenkar, seen as a natural claimant to the ticket, adopted a diplomatic tone. He said he had no opposition to Bhatikar’s entry but stressed that ideological alignment was crucial. Verenkar’s contribution to the party was highlighted in the block’s letter, citing his strong performance in the 2022 Assembly elections and the improved tally in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where Congress secured 8,500 votes in Ponda for winning candidate Viriato Fernandes.
The committee also raised concerns over Bhatikar’s alleged ideological leanings and past association with RSS-linked figures and BJP allies. His recent resignation from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), after its leadership decided not to contest the bye-poll due to its alliance with the BJP government, was cited as evidence of political opportunism.
Workers warned that inducting leaders from rival backgrounds could damage Congress’s credibility in Goa and risk internal instability, especially given past defections of MLAs to the BJP.
The controversy underscores the churn within the Congress as it prepares for the Ponda bye-election with grassroots workers openly voicing dissent and the leadership facing a tough test of balancing electoral strategy with cadre demands.
