Cong open for United Opposition battle against BJP

Team Herald

PANJIM: With an eye on 2022 general State Assembly elections, the Congress in Goa is working towards revamping and strengthening party’s base; even though it has thrown open the option for an United Opposition battle against the ruling BJP during the ensuing polls. 

Addressing media persons on Saturday, Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat admitted that the party is going through a difficult phase and is committed to bounce back. “The Congress is not in ruling and as everyone know, we are going through a difficult phase,” he said. 

“We are currently working to strengthen and revamp our organizational setup. The party has presence in all 40 Assembly constituencies, which has to be further strengthened,” he added. 

Kamat said just because some MLAs have defected, the party’s vote base has remained intact in those constituencies. “We don’t have to create vote bank. We have our voters intact. We now just have to identify new leaders,” the leader said. The party that won 17 seats in 2017 Assembly elections, is currently left with only five MLAs. The other 12 have defected and joined BJP. 

Responding to a question, Kamat said the party is open for United Opposition battle against BJP during 2022 elections. “But before that, we have to make Congress strong. Only then the United Opposition can be strong. Such decisions are basically taken by the high command,” he said. 

The former Chief Minister was responding to the statement by Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai who felt the need of the hour is to have united fight against BJP in 2022 elections. Further, Kamat reiterated that party doors are closed for defectors as per the resolution taken by Pradesh Congress Committee. 

Meanwhile, actor and film producer Uday Salkar from Tivim joined the party on Saturday along with his supporters. 

Kamat said despite Congress not in power, people are getting attracted to the party and joining in large number.