Panjim: Amidst differences and rebellion within the party ahead of the 2017 elections, the Congress High Command has asked the PCC and CLP to resolve its internal differences and work towards bringing back disgruntled leaders, who are looking at rival political outfits as options.
Sources confirmed that Rahul Gandhi is upset with the happenings in the State Congress ahead of the elections. He fears that if the situation continues, Congress may be rooted out from the State, sources said.
“The High Command has directed PCC and CLP to sort out its internal differences and work in unity to
get the Congress back to power. He has opined that leaders need to keep their personal interests aside and work together to get back disgruntled leaders,” sources said. Sources added that Gandhi said that reasons need to be found out why members were unhappy with the party functioning and are looking for other options.
Sources said the high command also asked leaders not to lobby for the Chief Ministerial post at this stage.
The directions came in the wake of Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar being on the verge of joining the MGP and contesting the next elections on the Lion symbol. Madkaikar has expressed his displeasure over the party functioning and its attempt to promote old leaders.
There is also speculation that Quepem MLA Chandrakant Kavalekar is in talks with MGP and BJP. Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho has already announced his decision to quit Congress and contest on the BJP ticket in 2017.
