the goan I network
MARGAO
Will the mining case hanging over his head come in the way of the “Baba” from Margao from taking over the reigns of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC)? Or, will the Congress leadership stand by the former Chief Minister as the mining case has come at a time when the Congress is bracing up to announce a new president to steer the party in the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election?
These and other questions have come to the fore a day after Digambar Kamat appeared in the South Goa Sessions Court in connection with the mining case pertaining to the condonation of delay. Digambar has been quick to assert that the case will in no way have any bearing on his political career. Many a question, however, remained unanswered, more so when AICC general secretary in-charge of Goa desk, Dr Chella Kumar said the new president will be in place within the next 10 days, while Digambar’s fate will be decided by the South Goa Sessions Court exactly a month from now on April 27.
Given the situation, question is being raised whether the Congress party leadership will rally behind Digambar by appointing him to head the Congress party, irrespective of the court’s decision. Or, will the party settle for another candidate for the top slot, given that the AICC general secretary has been on record saying the new party president may be appointed within 8-10 days?
Sources in Congress circles said the former Chief Minister has emerged as a strong contender not only for the GPCC top slot, but is perceived in political circles, both within the Congress and outside as a potential Chief Ministerial candidate in the event the
coalition government crumbles and the Congress decides to form the alternate
government.
Sources in the Congress said that factors that have gone in favour of the six-time MLA to don the GPCC mantle is the backing he has received from many a party MLA. That’s not all. The former Chief Minister is being perceived in party circles as one MLA, who is considered a favourite to take over the reigns of government in the event the coalition government crumbles given his close rapport with the leaders of the coalition partners, the Goa Forward party and the MGP, besides the Independents. Digambar is also being perceived as one candidate, who has the capacity to arrange funds for the party organisation.
Sources in the Congress party told The Goan that the party leadership will take into account the strong points and drawbacks of each of the aspirants who have staked claim to preside over the affairs of the Congress organisation.
“AICC general secretary Dr Chella Kumar has taken with him the names of the probable candidates. He has assessed the strong points and drawbacks of each of the candidates. As far as Digambar Kamat is concerned, the party leadership will take a call taking into account the same yardstick,” informed a Congress party functionary, saying the party leadership will unveil the name of the new GPCC president after taking into account all factors in the interest of the
organisation.
