PANJIM: The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Wednesday resolved to urge the BJP-led coalition government to act tough against right-wing Hindu outfit leaders to prevent communal tension in the State.
The CLP that met on Wednesday evening under the leadership of Chandrakant Kavalekar decided that the party candidates for the Panjim and Valpoi by-elections would be shortlisted by the State Executive Committee of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC).
Speaking to Herald after the meeting, Kavalekar said the CLP resolved to urge Chief Minister to initiate action against Hindu outfit leader Sadhvi Saraswati for her recent remarks against those eating beef. “We appeal to the Chief Minister to act tough against such Hindu outfit leaders to prevent communal tension in the State,” he said. “Goa is a peace loving State and these leaders try to create communal disharmony. Government needs to maintain law and order in the State. State government can’t be absolved from responsibility in maintaining communal harmony,” he said.
Sadhavi, while participating in All India Hindu convention in Goa, earlier this month, had demanded that those eating beef should be hanged.
Speaking about the by-elections, Kavalekar said that CLP discussed a few names but decided not to shortlist any. “Almost all the CLP members are PCC members and hence it would be wise if PCC shortlists the names and submit it to the high command for a decision,” he said.
Names of former Congressman Atanasio Monserrate and Roy Naik, son of MLA Ravi Naik, were discussed. While Monserrate, is likely to re-join the party and contest against Manohar Parrikar in Panjim, Roy is likely to be fielded against Vishwajit Rane in Valpoi. The by-elections are due in the next three months.
The meeting also resolves to write to Chief Minister to withdraw the circular barring government officials from attending meetings convened by public representatives at their residences or offices.
“The circular is dictatorship of the government which will not be accepted,” Kavalekar said adding that if the government fails to withdraw the order before the monsoon session, the issue would be raised on the Floor of the House.
CLP also congratulated panch members and thanked the voters for reposing faith in party-backed candidates. “We are thankful to the people for once again giving mandate to Congress party,” he said.
