MARGAO: Congress MLAs from South were guarded over the appointment of the new president of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee and preferred to let the High Command decide the matter, although a couple of them did say that a young and dynamic person should be made the new president.

While four MLAs, including two former chief ministers want the party High Command to decide, two MLAs were of the opinion that a young and dynamic person should take over. One MLA wanted Shantaram to continue.

Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, who was a strong contender for the post last time around, when Shantaram Naik was appointed instead, was the only MLA to state that he would prefer Shantaram to continue in office.

According to him, it was better to have Shantaram, continue as he had the experience and has also been involved in party work earlier, instead of having some new person without any experience.

 “If the person nominated by the High Command is of my liking and a person who believes in group work instead of ‘I, me, myself,’ I shall work double hard to ensure that his tenure is successful,” he said.

Leader of Opposition Babu Kavlekar pointed out that since the GPCC had decided to let the party High Command decide, it would be best to let Sonia Gandhi decide, emphasising that he would accept anybody decided upon by the High Command.

Former Chief Ministers Digambar Kamat and Ravi Naik also echoed similar views and said they will accept the party High Command’s choice. Former GPCC president Luizinho Faleiro also said that it was best for Sonia Gandhi to decide. “After the troublesome two years I am now relaxing and enjoying my life,” he said adding that if he had to recommend anybody for the post, that person would “be in trouble”.