With reference to the news item “Kandolkar to quit as TMC state president” (The Goan Everyday February 22, 2022). Goa Assembly elections 2022 were done and dusted on February 14. The verdict is going to arrive on March 10.
But rumblings have begun to unravel even before the ballot boxes are opened and votes counted. Many candidates with an ear to the ground have now read the writing on the wall. They have realised that their decisions to defect and join forces with newcomers are about to cost them heavily. Voters were in a punishing mood on February 14.
That said, I-PAC was just helping Trinamool Congress with election strategy in Goa. I-PAC cannot help beyond this. Candidates are from Goa. They have fought many elections before. They should have known better. There is no point blaming I-PAC now. These candidates should have thought twice before allowing I-PAC to school them in the art of management of election campaign that depends upon popular mood and image building of candidates in the run up to the polling day.
What has happened has happened. Instead of throwing in their towels, the Goa TMC unit must return to the drawing board and learn from mistakes and stick together. Or else, the opposition parties allegations that Goa TMC is a fly-by-night party to divide votes will be proven right.
