PANJIM: The call given by new Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar to former Congressmen to return to the party fold has evoked mixed response from the office-bearers.
General Secretary Janardhan Bhandari, who contested from Canacona said that the party should bring back old workers and admit new workers rather than those leaders who betrayed the party at the time of elections. There is no guarantee that these betrayers would remain with the party in future.
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GPCC Secretary Khemlo Sawant said, “What’s the use of bringing back such Congressmen now. When party needed them the most they turned their back. I am of the opinion that such attempt will hurt party candidates, who lost due to dissidence of such people and it will now cause double harm to the party,” Sawant said, who too contested unsuccessfully from Sanvordem.
Sachin Parab from Mandrem said that Patkar’s attempt to bring all old Congressmen back is a good move but it all depends on how much success he will achieve. Patkar has his own ideas and trying his best to strengthen the organisation. But only time will tell.
At the same time, Parab charged that some party leaders tried to finish Congress organisation in Mandrem Constituency by intentionally giving the seat to the alliance partner to contest the Assembly elections.
Former North Goa District Congress president Vijay Bhike said that any decision to readmit leaders is always taken by the party and the high command.
He said that he is of the strong opinion that sincere and dedicated Congressmen should be taken into confidence on important matters. When it comes to elections, loyalties are sidelined and even South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha is now on record that the party lost seats as it gave more tickets to those who joined from BJP.
GPCC Scheduled Caste Department Chairman Vithu Morajkar said that Patkar’s attempt to bring old Congressmen has to be welcomed. Nobody had made such an attempt in the past and it was one of the reasons why the BJP became strong in the State.
Party’s OBC Department Chairman Sandesh Khorjuvenkar too welcomed Patkar’s ongoing attempt to meet old Congress through Chetna Yatra. Party should readmit those who left due to various reasons but not defectors and those who ditched the party for their selfish gains. “Today we have young president and young Leader of Opposition. The party should promote young leadership,” he said.
