the goan I network
PONDA
Terming Subhash Shirodar’s act of joining the BJP as a betrayal of democracy, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar has asked Shirodkar to take political ‘sanyaas’ for having invited the wrath of public and losing his respect in the process.
Addressing Congress workers at Borim on Tuesday evening, Chodankar told them that an assembly candidate would be chosen by taking them into confidence.
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginald Lourenco, party leader Subhash Phaldesai, Borim Sarpanch Bhavana Manurai Naik, Bethora Sarpanch Sushant Gaonkar, Borim Panch Sunil Sawkar, Manurai Naik, Hemant Samant and others were also present on the occasion.
“Shirodkar has betrayed us and he can’t be trusted. Three hours before flying to Delhi (to join BJP) he told our leaders that he is with Congress and would not leave. He has betrayed democracy,” Chodankar said.
“We are blank about Shiroda constituency and the new committee will be constituted very soon. Reginald Lourenco and Ravi Naik will monitor this constituency. One thing is sure that we will take people in confidence before choosing candidate. We will not impose a candidate on you,” Chodankar assured party workers.
Lourenco said the party could pursue a new way of politics by undertaking a movement. “This doesn’t suit Shirodkar, who knew the principles of Congress. But if he has gone for his personal gains, then we can’t say anything. We have the capacity to take our party ahead,” said Lourenco.
“The BJP has ruined everything and people are facing problems. Let us start a movement to win this constituency. This area is new to us. Hence, guide us how to take this movement ahead. Let us change politics in Goa,” Lourenco appealed to party workers.
Sushant Gaonkar, Sunil Sawkar and Hemant Samant also spoke at the meeting.
Later speaking to The Goan, Chodankar said the party has received 6-7 names for potential candidates.
“It would take about a month to decide on the candidate,” said Chodankar.
Interestingly, some locals eyeing for the party ticket tried to project themselves as local leaders in the meeting.
