The recent decision to remove Amit Patkar as President of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee has once again exposed the deep disconnect between the Congress high command and its grassroots leadership. What has shocked many party workers and observers is not merely the leadership change itself, but the apparent lack of consultation with South Goa Member of Parliament Captain Viriato Fernandes before such a significant decision was taken. Captain Viriato Fernandes is the Congress party's lone Member of Parliament from Goa and one of its most prominent public faces in the state. Unfortunately, many Congress workers in Goa feel that their voices are neither heard nor valued. The dissatisfaction among party workers appears to have reached a point where some have reportedly openly urged Captain Viriato to resign in protest against the manner in which the decision was taken. Captain Viriato's response to the demand has been measured. Rather than reacting impulsively, he has stated that he will take a decision at a later date. However, the larger issue remains. The Congress cannot afford to repeatedly send signals that it does not trust or value its own leaders and workers.
