Disgruntled leaders, workers likely to resign from Cong
TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: Soon after the Congress announced its first list of candidates all does not seem to go well within the party as the block committee’s and several loyalists have threatened mass resignations.
As many as 2500 Congress workers have threatened to resign en mass after the party denied a ticket to sitting MLA Victoria Fernandes for the St Cruz constituency.
Victoria has threatened to contest as an independent also because Rudolf, her son, another aspiring Congress candidate, was also dropped from the list.
Victoria was given the boot to make way for Taleigao legislator Babush Monseratte.
Another Congress loyalist Naresh Sawal, who was dumped to give party ticket for Rajesh Patnekar said that he will also contest irrespective of the party ticket is given or not.
Sources say Sawal is set to join the BJP, and work for Patnekar’s defeat, even though the BJP has not assured him ticket.
Similarly, Samir Salgaocar, who was front-runner for the Congress ticket is also set to fight as an independent.
He has clearly said that he is disappointed and will not support Sopte in any way. “The Congress has no emphasis on loyalty. I will discuss with the party workers before deciding on contesting independent,” he said.
Another ticket aspirant Babi Bagkar from Mandrem says he is dejected by Congress snubbing.
“I will speak to my workers and Mandrem block Congress before deciding on future course,” he says.
Surendra Furtado, CCP councilor, who was the front-runner for the Congress seat until Yatin Parekh came to picture, also wants an explanation from the party.
“I want to know why I wasn’t granted ticket when I was the front-runner. Also if Parekh has better chances let him prove it now,” Furtado said.
He, however, did not speak whether he will contest independent or not. “There is still time and I will think over it,” he stated.
Peeved by the snubbing of the community, the Muslim community which has always traditionally supported the Congress all along has also threatened to contest all 40 seats against the Congress.
All India Minority Forum (AIMF), which is contesting all 40 seats independently, has said, “Our group is open for candidates with a clean image,” he said.
What has upset the minorities that not a single seat among the 22 has been given to the community. Urfan Mulla was the front-runner for the St Cruz ticket, which has been given to Monseratte.
With the Congress already in trouble over several scams and corruption, this revolt could further jolt the party’s prospects in the forthcoming polls.
