the goan I network
MARGAO
The Congress camp appears divided on the question of contesting the ensuing Zilla panchayat polls on the party banner.
Even as section of senior Congress leaders have expressed their reservations over the decision to contest the polls on the ‘Hand’ symbol, the decision has received thumbs up from both Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat and Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president.
A section of leaders, sources said, have questioned the decision to reverse the decision taken during the tenure of former GPCC chief Luizinho Faleiro against contesting the ZP election on party lines, even going to the extent of blaming the CLP leader and GPCC chief for being party to the decision.
Kamat, however, begged to differ. The CLP leader pointed out that the decision to contest the ZP polls was taken at the Executive meeting of the GPCC, adding that those having any reservations ought to have raised their objections to the decision by attending the meeting. “Why did these leaders, opposed to the decision, not attend the Executive Committee meeting and make known their stand? Even if they could not make it for the meeting, they should have at least communicated their views to me or the GPCC chief for consideration”, Kamat said.
When his attention was drawn to the fact that the Congress has just five MLAs in the Legislative
Assembly and may not have leaders to campaign for the election unlike the ruling side that has 27 MLAs, Kamat shot back “all over India, elections are fought on party lines. I don’t think there’s anything wrong in the party decision. Somewhere you have to take a call. If the majority of the party executive has decided to contest the election, the party should go ahead with contesting the election on the party banner”.
Asked to comment on fears raised within the party forum that contesting the election on party lines may bring to the fore dissensions and rebellions in the party, Kamat said “I cannot comment on these fears other than saying that the Congress is the most democratic party in the country”.
Sources in the Congress party informed that though a couple of senior party leaders have in private
questioned the decision to contest the ZP polls on the party banner, the party has received encouraging response from prospective candidates.
Sources said that many a candidate, in Salcete, who have approached GPCC chief for tickets, have been told to call on Digambar Kamat to ensure transparency in the candidates selection process.All over India elections are fought on party lines
I don’t think there’s anything wrong in the decision
Somewhere you have to take a call... If there is a consensus at the executive meeting, party should go ahead
Those having reservations ought to have raised their objections by attending the meeting
They should have at least communicated their views to me or the GPCC chief
Congress is the most democratic party in the country
I cannot comment on dissensions and rebellions that may arise
