MARGAO: In an interesting political development a major clash erupted between two groups of Congress supporters over the induction of former Velim MLA Benjamin Silva into the party, as the group led by Congress ZP member Julio Fernandes, opposed Silva’s entry and charged Congress leaders for hurting and not taking the workers into confidence.
However, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar, Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat, and others defended the decision stating that the party cannot deny entry to any person who wishes to join it. They also clarified that the party has not promised Silva a ticket for the next Assembly elections.
The South Goa District Committee had organised a function at the District office, to induct Silva into the party.
However, a group led by Fernandes interrupted the function leading to a major clash between the two groups, as a large number of Silva’s supporters were also present.
Objecting to the move to induct Silva into the party, the opposition group charged Kamat and Chodankar of destroying the party by giving entry to defectors. They challenged the Congress leaders to hold a public meeting in Velim, and a few even asked why there was no entry to Minister Felipe Neri Rodrigues?
“Being a ZP member, Congress leaders should have taken me, besides other Congress supporters into the confidence before taking the decision to induct Benjamin, who had worked against the party several times,” Fernandes said. He added that he will be leaving the Congress very soon.
Chodankar said that as per the policy implemented by the All India Congress Committee nobody will be denied entry into the party. “Party has not disqualified nor dismissed Benjamin Silva earlier and hence there is no point in denying entry. This is the time all need to be united,” he said.
Chodankar said that the issue of giving tickets for the next Assembly elections is different and should not be confused. “In order to bring down the BJP government all need to be united, and hence our target should be getting 21 seats in the next elections. The induction of Benjamin is to strengthen the party in Velim constituency,” he said.
Asked on the possibility of an alliance, Chodankar said the party high command will take the decision at the right time. He also said that the names of the candidates will be declared 90 days before the elections.
Kamat said there is no sense in creating an issue, as anybody can join the party. “As per the policy of the party, we cannot stop anyone from joining Congress. But one thing is clear that people want to join Congress,” he stated.
Silva refuted allegations that he had worked against the Congress candidate in the last Lok Sabha elections. “I am one of the contenders for the Congress ticket in Velim constituency,” Silva said.
