Team Herald
MAPUSA: TMC state president Kiran Kandolkar has for now put off any decision to resign as party president, amidst wide speculation regarding a possible fallout between him and I-PAC, the political consultancy, which ran the Assembly election campaign for TMC
Speaking to Herald, Kandolkar said, “I am not quitting as president of TMC. But I am upset with Prashant Kishor and his I-PAC agency. Most of the party candidates also feel that they have been abandoned by his agency.”
According to Kandolkar, all candidates fielded by the TMC have some issues but it’s not regarding poll expenses. “When they told me about their issues and non availability of Prashant Kishor and his I-IPAC team, I discussed it with my workers and supporters and told them that if candidates have issues then it’s better to quit. I had said this to my workers, but I will not resign from TMC although I am upset with Prashant Kishor and his I-IPAC team,” he said.
There was speculation, partly fuelled by what Kandolkar told sections of the media that he was about to quit the party. On Monday, a still belligerent Kandolkar appeared to put on hold any drastic moves but made his displeasure known.
Admitting that he had no sufficient time to campaign for the TMC candidates, Kandolkar said that a meeting of all party candidates would be convened on Tuesday, February 22, to take their feedback about polling in their respective constituencies.
It is learnt that TMC leaders will meet party candidates individually at the party office, Panjim on Tuesday.
The TMC has fielded 26 candidates and its alliance partner – Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) – is contesting 13 seats. The counting of EVM votes will be held on March 10.
