Former Youth Congress Working President Mahesh Nadar
VASCO
Amid growing resentment within sections of the Goa Congress following the sudden change in the leadership of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), former Youth Congress Working President Mahesh Nadar on Tuesday expressed disappointment over the removal of Amit Patkar as GPCC president and questioned the manner in which the decision was taken.
Addressing reporters in Vasco, Nadar said the development had come as a shock to many Congress workers, particularly those from the youth wing, who had worked closely with Patkar over the past several years.
"It is very disheartening for many members of the Congress, especially the youth, that Amit Patkar has been replaced suddenly without any fault on his part and without any prior intimation. The decision has left many workers surprised and disappointed," Nadar said.
The statement comes in the backdrop of the Congress high command replacing Amit Patkar with Girish Chodankar as the president of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, a move that has triggered mixed reactions within party circles.
Defending Patkar's tenure, Nadar credited him with strengthening the party organisation and playing a key role in several political developments in the state.
"People of Goa know the contribution made by Amit Patkar to the Congress. One of his biggest achievements was standing firmly behind the candidature of Captain Viriato Fernandes and ensuring that the party put up a strong challenge in South Goa. The result is there for everyone to see, as Viriato Fernandes went on to win the Lok Sabha election from South Goa," he said.
Nadar also pointed to the Congress' performance in local body elections during Patkar's tenure.
"Under his leadership, the party succeeded in getting several Zilla Panchayat members elected across Goa. A lot of organisational work was carried out quietly at the grassroots level, and workers were motivated to remain active despite political challenges," he said.
Referring to issues that had generated public debate in recent years, Nadar said Patkar had consistently taken up matters affecting the people of Goa.
"No one can forget the role played by Amit Patkar during the SIR fiasco. He stood with the people and fought strongly on issues that concerned the public. Those efforts cannot simply be ignored," he remarked.
Taking a swipe at leaders now calling for unity within the party, Nadar said many of them had remained inactive for most of Patkar's tenure.
"Those who are now speaking about unity and strengthening the Congress were largely missing for the last four-and-a-half years. The workers know who stood by the party during difficult times and who remained absent," he said.
While reiterating his commitment to the Congress party, Nadar said party workers expected the leadership to recognise the contribution of those who had worked tirelessly to strengthen the organisation in Goa.
