Claiming that there is unity in Congress party to defeat the BJP-MGP
alliance and so also the new entrant AAP in the upcoming 2017 election, the All
India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary and Goa desk in-charge
Divijay Singh on Monday sent a clear signal to its rebel leaders to maintain
“party discipline”.
At the same time, after literally dogging the questions on grand
alliance, the anguished Singh, once again keeping the option of alliance open,
said that the decision in that regard would be taken by the Central Election
Committee and not by Pradesh Election Committee.
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Addressing media persons after chairing the Pradesh election committee
meeting, Singh said that there is unity in Congress party to defeat BJP, MGP
and AAP and to see that Congress comes to power during the 2017 election.
“There may be some difference of opinion amongst us and that issue will be
sorted out by the Pradesh committee,” he said.
“But every congress leader has to understand that he has to maintain
discipline,” Singh said responding to a question on some of the MLAs openly
criticizing the party and have even looking for options to contest the coming
election.
“By and large the party’s election preparations are on,” he stated.
Congress Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, who has already announced to have
kept options open rather than Congress, skipped the party election committee
meeting, where he is one of the member.
The AICC leader sounded unhappy and anguish over media’s reported
questions on formation of grand alliance. “Why you (media) always ask on
alliance…please let’s go for some other question,” he responded.
However, after repeated questions, Singh was forced to reply stating
that the decision on alliance would be taken by the Central Election Committee
and not by the PCC. He even rubbished media claims that 37 out of 40 blocks
have opposed grand alliance and wants party to go alone for the polls.
“From where have you got the figures? Please don’t give figures….no
such resolution has come before party till now,” Singh said.
When asked whether party intends to form an alliance with Nationalist
Congress Party (NCP), Singh demanded that NCP national leader Prafulla Patel
should first clarify on whether they find Congress fit enough to form alliance.
“Some where he had made a statement regretting party stand on having alliance
with Congress. Let him clarify that first,” he said.
During block committee meetings held on September 24, more than the
half, had resolved not to contest election in alliance.
Congress will hold two separate meetings on October 2 at Vasco and
Thivim for polls strategies. The next meeting of the Pradesh election committee
will be held mid-October.
