PANAJI
The power struggle within the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP), between MLA Viresh Borkar and former president Manoj Parab, has intensified, with rival factions clashing over the party’s control on the ground and social media.
The latest controversy erupted after Parab-aligned members attended meetings convened by election authorities in North and South Goa as part of the Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls, including one chaired by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).
Borkar had earlier attributed their participation to technical discrepancies, which he claimed had been rectified. However, party functionary Ajay Kholkar, who has been expelled by Borkar, alleged that Parab faction members continued attending official meetings.
Following the development, Borkar and other office-bearers reportedly approached election authorities seeking clarification, maintaining that the party’s official email and contact details had been updated. They argued that Parab-aligned members no longer held official positions and were unauthorised to represent the party, adding that the names of recognised representatives had already been submitted to the authorities.
Kholkar specifically alleged that Sebestiao Fernandes, an RGP vice-president aligned with Parab, attended a South Goa meeting chaired by District Election Officer and Collector Egna Cleetus. The meeting discussed the revision schedule, appointment and responsibilities of booth-level agents, draft electoral roll verification, claims and objections, and voter awareness drives.
Meanwhile, the rival camps have traded accusations on social media. Newly appointed RGP president Savina Shirodkar on Friday warned of strict action against activities damaging the party’s interests or image. She accused Parab and Kholkar of making baseless allegations and misleading the public through emotional social media posts.
