Clinton D’Souza
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SALIGAO: Mega political drama in Saligao. On Sunday, BJP Minister and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo was seen supporting Congress leader Kedar Naik and was door-to-door campaigning with Kedar and supporters in Saligao-Guirim areas. This move by Michael has upset members from the Saligao Congress block wherein by evening the President of Saligao Congress resigned from the party calling it morally incorrect and demoralising its cadre.
It all started on Sunday morning. It was the Congress leader Kedar Naik who began his door-to-door election campaign in Saligao-Guirim area. With a large number of Congress and Kedar Naik supporters it was interesting to see BJP Minister and Calangute MLA in front supporting Kedar and participating in the campaign.
Speaking to the gathering Michael, after visiting a temple with Kedar, said “It’s a legislation day, in future Goa should get good and clean leaders, this is what I along with all gathered have prayed to the Devi (goddess) and definitely the goddess will bless us with good leaders in future”. He further added that time has come for all Goans to unitedly stand and support one party. There shouldn’t be any more divide and rule and breaking any party, we have to give the one party the mandate and all should support and make sure 22 seats are elected in that party.
He also said that the elected party will form the government and bring good governance in Goa for next 5 years.
When questioned about his support to Congress leader, Michael said, “Kedar is a good man and a good leader, Goa needs such leaders in future”.
Asked whether he will join Congress or not Michael neither said yes or no, but replied, “You will come to know by tomorrow.”
Michael supporting Kedar and openly participating in campaign during the day upset some of the Saligao Congress block members, especially its Block President Atul Naik. Within few hours of Kedar’s campaign, Atul submitted his resignation as the block president and left the party. In his letter to the GPCC president Atul mentioned that he is happy with the induction of Kedar into the party and that he is a good leader. But Michael Lobo, who is a BJP MLA and minister, campaigning for Kedar is not right, it is not morally correct and it demoralises the Congress cadre.
He further added that Michael’s interference with Congress affairs will weaken the party.
