On whether Rane, Sardinha and Ravi Naik are still ticket aspirants?
What is important is the overall direction that we will give. We have maintained that we will give a maximum number of tickets to new faces, which means that compared to the past, this will be the highest figure. In terms of percentage, again we have been clear. A minimum of 50% candidates in this year’s election, if not more, will be fresh faces
On the time frame that will be taken to decide on the candidates?
The Pradesh Election committee has shortlisted names. The central screening committee will now do its job and we will finalise very soon
On whether the ground work for presenting a new Congress has already been done?
I can only say this much. The padyatra across the state has given me the belief that people have not lost hope in the Congress. Last time the wave was completely against us and we could not survive. This time there is a positive mood in our favour and we need to make the right decisions and go to the people. And you will notice this change happening, especially in places where fresh faces are taking the lead. They have already revived the party in Nuvem, Cuncolim, Cortalim, Vasco, Mormugao, Dabolim and Cortalim. And these are not just ticket aspirants but others at the block level who want nothing else than the Congress’ revival. Fresh faces across ten constituencies and counting are already injecting Congress with new spirit. We need to capitalise on this spirit.
