MARGAO
As the blame game over the party’s Zilla Panchayat debacle takes centrestage in the Congress, Leader of the Opposition, Digambar Kamat on Friday said all the party leaders should collectively share the responsibility for the party’s poor showing in the election.
Days after South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha and other leaders blamed the party leadership behind the ZP debacle, Kamat has hit back by categorically saying that any one person cannot be held responsible for the election result. In fact, Kamat stressed on the need for all the leaders to do introspection why the Congress party has lost so badly, while giving a clean chit to GPCC chief Girish Chodankar.
Addressing the media, Kamat said, “history tells us that when you win, there are too many people who claim credit for the victory. No one wants to take responsibility for the defeat. I believe it is the responsibility of all if the party has lost and not just a single leader. We all should introspect why the party could not get the seats.”
He added: “Girish and I had campaigned sincerely in the ZP polls. Ask the ZP candidates and no one would deny the same. One cannot hold one person responsible for the debacle.”
Kamat said the Congress party has accepted the ZP results as a challenge and will work and emerge as a formidable force in the near future. “Congress party has a long history and has seen many ups and downs. Our leaders have sacrificed in the Independence struggle of the country,” he said.
Addressing the media with Congress ZP candidates Michelle Rebello, Roman Rodrigues, Julio Fernandes, Royla Fernandes, Suzie Fernandes, Joseph Vaz and SGDC President Joseph Dias, Kamat said, “I am sitting with the winners as well as the losers of the Zilla Panchayat elections from Salcete. Our candidates will continue to be the voice of the people and we all are committed to protect the identity of Goa. The people of Goa should not get influenced with the divisive politics of the BJP in association with their A, B & C teams and allies,” Kamat said.
