PANJIM: All India Congress Committee (AICC) leader P Chidambaram said that granting cabinet status to Congress MLA Pratapsingh Rane means finally the BJP government has recognised Congress party’s contribution for Goa.
“He (Rane) is our leader. I saw the citation for Rane’s contribution to Goa. I am glad that the BJP government recognised the Congress’ contribution to Goa because Rane is Congress Chief Minister. So Rane’s contribution to Goa are Congress’ contribution and belately they (BJP) have recognised his contribution to Goa.”
When asked whether there is a constitutional provision to grant lifelong cabinet status to longest serving legislators, the former Union Minister said, I have no idea. I have not invented this. I also have no knowledge whether such cabinet status is given to any Parliamentarian.”
When it was brought to his notice that Rane has already hinted at retiring from politics and whether he has proposed another candidate for Poriem constituency, Chidambaram said, ”Why should he not contest? We have offered the seat to him and we have left it to his decision. We respect his age and his decision. So there is no harm in waiting for him to take a decision.”
The Congress leader said that Poriem constituency has been a traditional Congress seat and we will that seat this time also.
