PANJIM: In a desperate attempt to form the government in the State, the Congress appears to have settled for experience over youth for the post of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) chief with Diagmbar Kamat likely to take over the party reins.
Kamat has overtaken all competitors in the race, including AICC secretary Girish Chodankar, who was seen as the frontrunner for the post until now. Five other candidates, including former Chief Ministers, ex-MPs, sitting MLAs and party workers, were in the race.
Strong opposition to Chodankar as the new president resulted in Kamat’s name being proposed. Backed by the Congress Legislative Party (CLP), Kamat’s name has also been welcomed by the GPCC.
“CLP has extended full support to Digambar Kamat. They are also okay with Yatish Naik, but prefer Kamat over Naik as the new president. They are not in favour of Girish as MLAs believe he is not keen on toppling and forming the government as he is not in good terms with smaller parties and non-Congress MLAs if a situation of forming new government arises,” sources said.
Congress is hoping to work out a strategy with Goa Forward Party (GFP) leader Vijai Sardesai. It is a different matter that Sardesai is not keen on polls at this stage.
When contacted, Kamat said he has not demanded any position from the High Command but is ready to accept the responsibility if given. “See, I have never asked for any position nor am I going to ask for it. If the High command finds me capable of holding some
position, than I am ready to shoulder the responsibility,” the former Chief Minister said.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary and Goa desk in charge Dr Chellakumar was in Goa last week to take stock of the situation after Shantaram Naik resigned from the post. He held one-to-one meetings with MLAs and senior Congress leaders.
“Young or old depends on the mindset and one’s aggression to taken on the government. It is not the age that what makes one young,” Chellakumar said adding that his report will be placed before Rahul Gandhi, who will take the final call in next one week.
Meanwhile, Senior Congress leader Jitendra Deshprabhu hit out at his party over the selection process adopted for shortlisting candidate. Speaking to media persons, Deshprabhu questioned why more weightage is being given to leaders from South Goa, while ignoring the North. The Congressman will be meeting INC President Rahul Gandhi on the issue.
