Goemkarponn desk
MARGAO: With elections just round the corner, the Congress in Goa is yet to get into the groove and decide a strategy to defeat the BJP.
Congress young brigade say it is time to make strategy for upcoming assembly election under same president.
With just seven to eight months left for Goa assembly election the ruling party is working hard to woo the voters with jobs and schemes not leaving any chance for the Opposition.
On the other hand, the Congress is yet to regroup and fight unitedly against the might of BJP.
The last four and half years have been forgetful for the Congress as despite being single largest party in 2017 Assembly poll with 17 seats, it failed to form the government.
In 2019, the grand old party received another jolt when 10 MLAs ditched the party to join the BJP, which brought the Congress number from 17 in 2017 to just 5.
Before that, Subash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte had joined hands with BJP after quitting Congress.
Come 2022, and the Congress may get another shocker as grapevine suggests Ponda MLA Ravi Naik is on doorsteps of BJP while in all probability Pratapsing Rane, the senior most MLA of Goa Legislative Assembly, will not contest polls again.
In wake of all this, the Congress will have to take lot of hard work to get majority. Not just that they would have to put every probable candidate under the scanner besides forging alliances and good strategy.
Another advantage the Congress has is the anti-incumbency factor, which will affect the BJP.
But despite the people’s revolt against many issues like casinos, environment destruction, COVID19 mismanagement, the Congress has failed to cash in on the opportunity.
Worse still, the Congress leaders are fighting amongst themselves for State president’s chair. GPCC president Girish Chodankar has resigned from the post but his resignation is yet to be accepted.
Speaking to Goemkarponn, many Congress leaders across state spoke in one voice that the focus has to e on winning.
Youth Congress president Varad Mardolkar said that Goa assembly elections is few months away from now party should focus on wining the elections.
“This is not the time to think on changing leadership. We can change the leadership after elections. Also, if we change it now we have to waste time in rearranging all the committees again,” he said.
He said now the only focus should be on preparing the strategy for upcoming elections and party leaders should speak in one voice.
When asked about alliance, he replied, “it is upto high command as a loyal Congress worker I will work for party”.
Yogesh A. Nagvenkar, working president, Fatorda Block Congress said the Congress Party is a National Party and has a strong presence Nation wide.
“On the current national crisis created by BJP, Congress is the only option for the Goa State & also country as a whole. It’s purely the party seniors should take a call on changing or retaining the Party President,” he said.
In his opinion Congress Party should keep a strong focus on Contesting in all 40 Constituencies rather then depending on unpredictable alliances who take a U-turn later.
“There are ample good candidates whom the Goans are looking forward to vote for in many constituencies. New opportunities should be given to young & experienced candidates to come forward as the future is of the young,” he said.
Jana Bhandari, GPCC Gen Secretary, who is another senior leader who kept Congress flag flying in Canacona by raising different issues says Congress party should work on one point agenda and that is to defeat BJP in upcoming elections.
“The chief ministerial candidate must be announced in advance. The GPCC chief must not be replaced at this stage and even if replaced he must have pan Goa image, not one constituency person,” he said.
He said the people want to know who their CM would be. Congress has got a great opportunity to give new faces.
“The problem is Congress waits last minute to announce candidates to avoid revolt by those who did not get the ticket. But people are fed up of that. If they announce their candidates in advance it would be advantageous. I also believe they must have understanding with MGP though not an alliance. They can conduct an secret opinion poll over alliance with any party,” said Adv Cleofato Coutinho.
Abhijet Dessai convenor, Goa Pradesh Kissan Congress says
The party should focus on strategy making for upcoming election. “Party should also declare the CLP leader before going for election. They should also give chance to new and young faces,” he said.
Ahraz Mulla, ex NSUI President, says with Dinesh Gundu Rao coming to Goa it is a good sign, concentrating on the frontal organisations and empowering them is a good strategy.
“I am sure the new appointments are made at the right time which will boost the confidence of the party,” he said.
Congress MLA Alexio Reginald Lourenco says the the people are looking for a change in the govt. People have some hopes left in the Congress, I have been in party even when party had just five MLAs. I have spoken enough for last nine yrs from 2012.”
