The vast stretch of the “North” from Panjim and across Bardez, Pernem and Satari, is a bit like the last frontier for the Congress, Conquering North, has become a part of the party’s dreams and folklore, bereft from the reality of the 2015’s, but not quite deleted from an inbox which dates to the late nineties.
In 2017, the not so grand and certainly very old party will be hoping for a Maggie noodle elections. It hopes to re enter homes and be welcomed back, after being off the shelves in North Goa for over a decade, except in little islands like Calangute which had a Congress MLA during Digambar Kamat’s term.
Despite the low membership of the party in the North Goa, people here feel that the Congress needs to rejuvenate itself with the infusion of fresh blood and keep away the old faces. Across this belt, where Herald did quick dip stick reportage, to test the early waters (knowing that more will flow and change). Three major takeaways emerged a)The Congress may be punching way above its weight by announcing that it will fight all the 40 seats alone b) There should be an absolute rejection of old faces and c) the new formation of independent MLA, Rohan Khuante, Vijay Sardesai and Naresh Sawal should be a part of the mix.
This won’t quite be music to Luizinho Faleiro’s ears but these are voices on the ground. People here felt that Congress has failed to play the part of a strong opposition in the last three and half years, which has dealt the ruling party a further advantage.
A majority of the people felt that all the old faces in the Congress should not be given tickets and fresh and young faces be introduced.
“No matter if they lose one election but new faces should be given a chance as the old ones have looted the party and the State to the hilt. It is time to get some new faces in,” said Shekhar Mayenkar in a candid chat adding that “the party should also go alone instead of in alliance.”
Walter D’Souza of Bicholim said, “It is high time the newcomers get a chance and people like Luizinho, Rane be shown the door as they have crossed their peak.”
Another person, Sandeep Naik of Tivim said, “North Goa has never been a strong hold of the Congress except for places like the Valpoi, Poriem, and the people here don’t seem to be bothered about the party here.”
