CUNCOLIM: AICC Election Observer for Goa, P Chidambaram on Sunday said the Congress workers will decide the candidates for the forthcoming State Assembly elections in their respective constituencies.
Addressing a meeting of party workers from Quepem Constituency, he said earlier the selection of candidates was done in Delhi/Panjim but now party workers from their respective constituencies will decide and suggest the best candidates looking at the loyalty, availability, accessibility and winnability factors.
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Congress Goa Desk in-charge Dinesh Gundurao, MP Francisco Sardinha, Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar, Joe Dias, Elton D’Costa, Malu Velip and other Congress leaders were present for the meeting.
Speaking further, Chidambaram said, “The party workers will also play a major role in selecting the candidates, preparing the party manifesto and planning the campaign’s strategy.”
Chidambaram said, “People have got a chance to erase the stigma attached to the party by the MLAs who were elected by the people believing in the Congress and betrayed the voters and the party.”
He apologised for the mistakes committed by the candidates and the party would ensure that such mistakes are not repeated in future.
Chidambaram said he was confident that the party workers would never forgive these traitorous MLAs. The party has selected 10 activists at each polling station in the constituency.
He advised each party worker to devote at least two hours for party activities including door-to-door campaign to ensure that Congress forms the next government in the State.
Stating that unemployment is one of the biggest problems in the country and the State, he said, “If Congress comes to power, it will take up the task of curbing unemployment and inflation. There is an atmosphere of fear and now is the right time to overthrow the “corrupt” government.”
“After the Congress, Goa has not seen any development. Only inflation and unemployment have risen during the BJP’s rule and all other sectors have plummeted, MP Sardinha said.
“At present, there is a climate of fear in the State and the country. Those who speak against the government are imprisoned. The perpetrators of the riots in Delhi are honoured and those who suffered the riots are in captivity,” claimed Goa in-charge Dinesh Gundurao.
Elton D’Costa, who is likely to get the party ticket, shared his views. Subhash Phal Desai moderated and Joe Dias proposed the vote of thanks.
