RGP warns members of disciplinary action
MAPUSA
A fresh war of words has erupted within the Revolutionary Goans Party, with factions led by party chief Manoj Parab and St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar hardening their positions, signalling that reconciliation between the two camps remains distant despite repeated appeals for unity.
The latest escalation came on Tuesday when leaders of the RGP’s St Andre block convened a press conference accusing the party leadership of remaining silent while what they termed a “campaign of misinformation” was allegedly carried out against Borkar over the past several weeks.
Addressing reporters, St Andre block leader Tushar Gawas alleged that unfounded claims were circulated suggesting that Borkar was collecting donations inappropriately and amassing disproportionate wealth.
“For nearly a month, allegations were continuously spread against our MLA. Yet neither party president Manoj Parab nor members of the central committee came forward to defend him or clarify the party’s stand,” Gawas said.
He further claimed that rumours were deliberately spread suggesting that Borkar was preparing to switch allegiance to the Indian National Congress, an allegation the St Andre faction dismissed as politically motivated.
The St Andre unit said its workers were deeply hurt by the treatment meted out to them despite what they described as years of “selfless work” for the party at the grassroots level.
“We stood by the party during difficult times and strengthened the organisation in our constituency. Now, with elections approaching, there appears to be an attempt to isolate us and push us out,” one block functionary alleged.
The developments have exposed widening cracks within the regional outfit, which had projected itself as an alternative political force championing Goan identity and regional issues. Political observers believe the public sparring between the two camps could weaken the party’s organisational structure ahead of upcoming electoral battles if the leadership fails to contain the internal rebellion.
In a sharp rebuttal issued later in the day, the Revolutionary Goans Party rejected the allegations levelled by members of the St Andre block and accused them of indulging in indiscipline and spreading misinformation aimed at tarnishing the image of the party leadership.
The party maintained that certain statements made publicly by the dissident faction were “misleading and selective” and warned that any anti-party activity would be dealt with strictly under the provisions of the party constitution.
“The Revolutionary Goans Party remains committed to discipline, transparency and collective leadership. Attempts to create confusion among party workers and supporters through baseless allegations will not be tolerated,” the party statement said.
The RGP leadership also indicated that disciplinary proceedings could be initiated if leaders continued making public statements detrimental to the party’s interests.
The ongoing feud has intensified speculation over internal divisions within the party, with political circles closely watching whether the leadership and the St Andre camp can bridge differences or whether the confrontation could lead to a larger split within the organisation.
