The internal rift within the Congress party in Goa has come out in the open, with Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar accusing Aldona MLA Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira of engaging in anti-party activities.
Patkar’s primary grievance is Ferreira’s attendance at the birthday celebration of Curchorem BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral.
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“Adv Ferreira’s presence in such a high-profile BJP gathering at a time when Congress is vigorously opposing the BJP government’s misrule, is not just unfortunate, it is a blatant and deliberate violation of party discipline,” Patkar stated in a letter addressed to All India Congress Committee (AICC) Goa desk incharge Manikrao Thakare.
Patkar also highlighted that just three days before the event, on July 7, the GPCC had held an outreach programme in Curchorem under the banner of Samvidhan Bachao Abhiyan — a key political initiative aimed at upholding constitutional values and energising grassroots workers.
According to Patkar, Ferreira’s absence from that programme sent a “distressing and demoralising” message to party workers, especially in Curchorem, where Patkar himself narrowly lost the 2022 Assembly elections by just 600 votes and is now working to rebuild support.
In the same letter, Patkar noted that he had previously raised concerns in a confidential report submitted to Thakare on December 15, 2023, citing what he described as a “consistent pattern of anti-party action” by Ferreira.
Reacting sharply to the allegations, Adv Ferreira questioned the seriousness of the complaint. “I don’t even know if it was actually written by Patkar. I read the complaint and laughed. It seemed childish and immature. I don’t think our party president can be so childish. He could have just called me and sorted out the issue,” said Ferreira.
He added that he would respond appropriately if the party’s disciplinary committee were to issue him a notice. “I have not done anything wrong. This is a family matter. I am confident of myself and my shadow. I think this is BJP’s strategy to divide us. They will not succeed. I had turned down BJP offer in the past,” he said.
When contacted, AICC incharge Manikrao Thakare confirmed he has asked both leaders for written explanations. “I have sought details from both, Patkar and Adv Ferreira in writing. Only after verifying them and if replies are not found satisfactory then action will be taken,” he said.
AICC secretary and Goa desk co-incharge Dr Anjali Nimbalkar said the party’s disciplinary committee would take the necessary steps. “Thakare and myself will also speak to MLA Adv Ferreira,” she stated.
