MARGAO: The Congress party is grappling with differing views among its ranks as it deliberates its strategy for the upcoming by-election for the Benaulim Zilla Panchayat seat on June 23.
While some Congress leaders are open to allowing their INDIA Bloc partner, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), to contest the seat, others are pushing for the party to field its own candidate.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Sources indicate that internal discussions are ongoing among the party’s leadership, reflecting the divided opinion on the matter. Congress workers from Salcete and Benaulim are particularly split, with a section advocating for the party to maintain its presence in the constituency by fielding a candidate.
Senior Congress leaders have advised against making a hasty decision until the Lok Sabha election results are announced on June 4. However, Benaulim Congress leader Royla Fernandes, who was the runner-up in the 2021 ZP
election, is expected to intensify her push for Congress to contest in order to maintain its foothold in the area.
Royla had previously filed a disqualification petition against AAP’s Hanzel Fernandes, arguing that he did not belong to the OBC category. Her petition was upheld by the Administrative Tribunal, which invalidated Hanzel’s election following confirmation of his ineligibility by the High Court. This led to the bypoll.
Amid these deliberations, some Congress leaders caution against quickly conceding the Benaulim ZP seat to AAP. On the other hand, other Congress leaders who are leaning towards retaining the alliance partnership, stressed that any decision should consider the overall interests of Congress after the Lok Sabha election results on June 4, which could influence the strength and future of the INDIA bloc.
However, within the Congress party, there is also a hope that contesting the seat will help strengthen their foothold in Salcete, traditionally a Congress stronghold.
Meanwhile, AAP has been organising recruitment drives in Benaulim, signalling an expectation of Congress’ support in line with their collaboration during the Lok Sabha elections.
A definitive decision on the Benaulim ZP seat is expected after the Lok Sabha results
on June 4, which will likely play a crucial role in shaping the party’s strategy and future alliances.
