Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: AICC Goa desk in-charge Manickrao Thakre has said that the decision to replace former Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar was taken in December itself, much before the Zilla Panchayat elections, and was known to senior leaders in the state unit.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the recent change in leadership, Thakre said detailed discussions on the matter had taken place with Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. He maintained that the move was part of a planned organisational exercise and not a sudden decision.
Thakre acknowledged that South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes was not specifically informed before the official announcement of the leadership change. However, he stressed that party leaders were aware that a change in the state leadership was imminent.
“Everyone knew that the change was coming. If anyone is upset, we will succeed in resolving their grievances,” Thakre said.
With resentment surfacing among some Congress leaders and workers following the appointment of Girish Chodankar as the new GPCC president, Thakre said he would personally meet Amit Patkar, Viriato Fernandes and other leaders to address their concerns.
The AICC leader is expected to return to Goa within the next few days and will hold a series of meetings aimed at calming dissent and strengthening unity within the party.
Thakre expressed confidence that the Congress leadership would be able to bridge differences and ensure that all leaders work together to strengthen the organisation ahead of future electoral battles in the state.
