Likens silent Congress leaders and MLAs to foxes; says they are silent because of their past sins
TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Independent MLA Vijai Sardessai’s charge that the Congress has to put its act together and play the role of principal opposition against the Parrikar-led government has put the party in a tight spot.
While Goa Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Subhash Shirodkar preferred not to comment on Sardessai’s charge, former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao admitted that party MLAs and leaders have failed to perform the role of the Opposition in the last one year and half.
“I have no comments to offer,” was how the GPCC chief reacted to Sardessai’s charge over Congress party’s silence.
On the other hand, Churchill likened the party MLAs and leaders to “foxes” for their silence in taking on the government. Taking a dig at the former CM and opposition leader Pratapsing Rane, Alemao sought to know why the leader of the opposition is silent on major issues. “Some of our MLAs and leaders are silent because of their past sins,” he said.
Defending the stand adopted by Sardessai to maintain silence, Alemao said, “Vijai has done the right thing. He is in the opposition and has to also look after the development of his constituency. When Congress MLAs have maintained silence all along, why is Vijai only being targeted for his silence?” he demanded to know.
The former PWD Minister asserted , “Vijai has been performing the role of the opposition since day one. If Congress MLAs think that he should continue his tirade against the government, these leaders should hand over the opposition leader position to him.”
When pointed out that he too may be accused by the Congress leaders for his silence vis-a-vis the Parrikar government, Alemao said, “The party had not given me any position to act. I will certainly act when the party gives me a position to play that role.”
