PANJIM: All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary and Goa desk in-charge Digvijay Singh had to face the wrath of the Fatorda block committee members over the delay in announcing the party candidate from the constituency.

Strongly opposing a possible seat adjustment with Goa Forward, the block committee threatened to work against the party in the elections. 

Joseph Silva, Avinash Tavares, Ethel Lobo, Camilo Baretto on Tuesday evening gheraoed Singh outside the Congress headquarters and questioned the delay in announcing the candidate. Singh dodged the questions raised by the block members and proceeded to the airport.

All four Fatorda leaders accused Singh of neglecting the wishes of the block members and acting as per the demands of some vested interests. 

“Money has replaced loyalty. Congress is dancing to the tunes of Goa Forward mentor Vijai Sardesai. Party President Luizinho Faleiro had assured us that party will not support Sardesai and that Silva would be given the ticket. We even released the constituency specific charge sheet,” Lobo said. 

Tavares, the party spokesperson said not a single ticket has been given to the Schedule Tribe community nor to any of the party spokespersons. “These are the people who were most vocal and attacked the government on their misgovernance and corruption. Party has rewarded them like this, and they talk of new faces,” he slammed. 

He said that while denying tickets to deserving candidate, Singh and the high command played a dirty game. “Faleiro had given us his word that we will contest all 40 seats, but the decision taken in Delhi is complete different,” he added. 

Silva threatened to resign from the party and contest as an Independent if denied a ticket. “The entire block will support Silva and work against Congress,” they said. 

Baretto pointed out that the GF leader, who accused Congress of being ruled by the Delhi high command, was himself seen lobbing for an alliance in Delhi.