PANJIM: The Congress is taking its alliance game right down to the wire, at the risk of overplaying its hand. While the threat of open rebellion has not been issued by any candidate so far, in constituencies where the Congress might cede ground to NCP, Goa Forward or to Babush Monserrate, the chances of
some of them contesting as independents are indeed very high.
“I have stayed loyal for two terms. In ten years I was ditched twice. Once for Valanka Alemao and now it seems for Churchill. I will hold my cards close to my chest but when tickets are announced and after the party officially ditches me, I will make my next move and file my nomination. Here it’s not about winning or losing but about making a statement to the party that betrays me,” stated former Cavelossim Sarpanch Edwin Barreto who was also the Benaulim Block Congress president.
In Pernem, the alliance uncertainty is not the cause, but there is rebellion in sight. Babi Bagkar a senior Congressman said, “I am quite disturbed with the decision taken by the Congress of giving a ticket to Dayanand Sopte. I need two days time to think and take a decision about my next step.”
Some other constituencies where trouble is brewing are St Cruz where the Mahila Congress General Secretary Helena Domingos Lourenco, has taken umbrage at the last moment talks of an alliance which might end up in her sacrificing the seat for Monserrate’s candidate Tony Fernandes.
While a “friendly fight” in Cortalim will allow the Congress and the NCP candidates to be in the fray, Vasco will be tricky since it is one the seats the Congress seems to have agreed to let go for NCP. In that case Congress’ only Muslim candidate Saifulah Khan may have to withdraw, which will put the party in a quandary. Khan himself isn’t saying anything beyond what is politically correct. “I am a party loyalist and will not go against the party though it must be said that I have tried for a ticket twice in the past but had to step back,” Khan told Herald.
There could be resentment in Mayem also. “Party workers are upset over the delay in declaring candidates. I have been working for the party for the past 15 years and have been the most vocal leader against the government. At times I even went against my leaders for the party’s sake. And this is how I am rewarded. Despite having no heavyweight candidate or sitting MLA, my name is being delayed. It is very unfortunate. At the behest of some vested interests within the party, the high command is acting,” said Sunil Kawthankar, the probable party candidate in Mayem.
These are of course just very few of the simmering coals. When the alliance seat sharing is announced, expect rebellion to flare up.
