Team Herald

PANJIM: The Congress in Goa has once again been plunged into a state of confusion and groupism following the resignation of Shantaram Naik, with leaders banding together to prop up their favourites as the next Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) Chief.

While the names of All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary Girish Chodankar and GPCC general secretary Adv Yatish Naik have been making the rounds for quite some time, especially since INC President Rahul Gandhi is looking for young leadership, former Chief Minister and sitting MLA Digambar Kamat and MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco appear to have jumped into the fray. 

What is interesting is that the GPCC and the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) are divided as far as their choice for next party President is concerned. 

Sources revealed that the Congress Legislative Party  led by Chandrakant Kavlekar and so also Goa Pradesh Congress Committee is divided on the choice between Kamat and Yatish Naik, while there is no one to back Lourenco and Chodankar. Chodankar has, however, managed to get support from the State youth leaders and so also AICC.

If one recalls, Congress Legislative Party  in the past had resolved and extended its support to Chodankar’s candidature, but now finds him as a threat in their way of forming a government. On the other hand, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee had resolved to empower than INC President Sonia Gandhi to decide on the new party President and AICC members in Goa. 

“Congress Legislative Party  as well as Goa Pradesh Congress Committee are divided in their support to Digambar and Yatish. Yatish has an advantage over Digambar as INC is looking for young and new face. But at the same time, in the current political situation, Digambar is more fit for that position, having vast experience,” sources revealed.

When contacted, Kavlekar refused to comment on the issue stating it is for the Goa desk in charge Dr Chellakumar and the high command to decide. “We have not held any discussion on it so far,” he stated. 

Both Kamat and Yatish Naik remained unavailable for the comments. 

On the other hand, Chodankar seems to be the first preference of the high command as he has been closely working with Rahul Gandhi for the past few years. “Chodankar was always the frontrunner for the post. He has been the most vocal also and has taken the government to task on several issues,” sources said.

“Congress Legislative Party  is not backing Chodankar as they find him a hindrance to government formation. Congress Legislative Party  suspect Chodankar of having good off-field relations with Vijay Sardesai,” sources added. 

Speaking to Herald, Chodankar said he is a loyal solider of the party and would take up every responsibility that is given to him. “I have not demanded any position nor am I going to. If party wants me to take any responsibility, I am ready for that,” he said. 

Lourenco too is willing to take up the responsibility. “If the party wants, I can take up the responsibility,” the MLA said.