Team Herald
PANJIM: The revolt in the Congress continues. On Monday nearly half the members of the Saligao block committee tendered their resignations opposing the candidature of former Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes in Saligao for February 4 elections.
Thirteen of the 33 Saligao block Congress committee members, including treasurer Jasmin Fernandes, submitted their resignations to Luizinho Faleiro’s office criticising the decision to field Agnelo despite the block proposing Adv Yatish Naik’s name.
Deciding to work against the Congress, the members have urged voters not to waste their vote on Congress which is working to get BJP back to power.
“We have been actively involved in spreading the Congress base in Saligao. But when it came to deciding the candidate, we were not taken into confidence. A candidate, who was rejected by the people of Calangute in 2012, is now fielded in Saligao,” Jasmin said. Member Blasco Fernandes alleged that due to the ego of a few leaders, Congress is losing hard working leaders and all is not well in the blocks in all constituencies.
“Tickets are being sold to the people who were rejected in 2012. Leaders involved in mining scam, RP scam, SEZ scam are given tickets. Those expelled from the party are being supported to fight the elections,” Blasco said. They have appealed to the people not to waste their vote on the Congress. “The party is finished and post the coming elections may not even exist,” he said stating that they are yet to decide on whom to support in Saligao. After initially promoting Tulio D’Souza, Congress had announced support to Goa Forward candidate Jayesh Salgaonkar. However, on the last date of filing nominations, Congress fielded Agnelo Fernandes against BJP’s Dilip Parulekar.
Naik, who is party General Secretary said, “Let’s not give importance to people who are committed to the politics of revolving doors which is devoid of ideology. We as Congressmen will work for the party and ensure that the party emerges victorious.”
