Team Herald

PANJIM: The Congress High Command on Friday began the exercise of selecting the next Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president. The final decision, which is expected in the next ten days, will be taken by INC President Rahul Gandhi. 

All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary and Goa desk in charge Dr Chellakumar arrived in Goa on a two-day visit to meet MLAs, leaders and workers before finalising the name of the next Congress chief in the State. 

On Friday he held a series of meetings with MLAs and later with senior members of the GPCC. Speaking to media persons after the meetings, Chellakumar said, “I will be submitting my report to INC President Rahul Gandhi, who will take the final call.”

He added, “The factors that would primarily be considered while choosing the new president are experience, commitment to the party and ability to take the ruling coalition government head on and the person’s access to public.”

Asked whether the new president would be a young person, Chellakumar said, “Young or old, all depends on the person’s mindset. It is the thinking and working that makes one young or old.” He refused to disclose the names of any shortlisted candidates, admitting that several names have been proposed. 

AICC secretary Girish Chodankar is leading the race. However, he is facing a tough time from GPCC member and grassroots worker Sankalp Amonkar, whose name has been suggested by many as he has been a loyal Congressman. 

Sources said that Chodankar is on top of the list. “Sankalp Amonkar’s name is now being discussed. He is a grassroots worker associated with the Congress since the beginning. That is his advantage,” sources said. 

Former chief minister and sitting MLA Digambar Kamat, MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, MLA Ravi Naik, former MP Francisco Sardinha and GPCC general secretary Adv Yatish Naik are also in the fray.  

Sources further said that senior leaders Ramakant Khalap, Jitendra Deshprabhu and Fransico Sardinha are lobbying hard for the post.