Team Goemkarponn
Panaji, September 13: The Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) has expelled senior office-bearer and party Treasurer Ajay Kholkar from its primary membership with immediate effect following disciplinary proceedings, the party said on Sunday.
The decision was taken after the party’s Disciplinary Committee, headed by Pravin Halarnkar, submitted its report to RGP National President Viresh Borkar.
According to the party, the committee examined records, documents, social media material, media reports and other information before concluding that there was sufficient material to raise serious concerns over Kholkar’s conduct.
The party alleged that the committee found issues relating to the exercise of authority beyond his organisational mandate, financial irregularities, removal of party documents, insubordination, anti-party activities and repeated public criticism of the party leadership.
The report also referred to allegations concerning the creation and use of social media accounts to circulate material against the RGP, use of party letterheads for unauthorised communications and attempts to create confusion and divisions within the organisation.
The RGP said Kholkar was given opportunities to appear before the disciplinary committee and present his defence, including the option of appointing legal representation. However, the committee stated that he did not avail himself of the opportunities.
Based on the committee’s findings and recommendations, Borkar accepted the report and ordered Kholkar’s expulsion from the party.
Following his expulsion, Kholkar will no longer be authorised to represent, speak or act on behalf of the RGP before any authority, media organisation or the public, the party said.
The disciplinary committee has also recommended that the party consider initiating legal proceedings over the alleged acts of theft, cheating, defamation and other offences, subject to legal advice and due process.
The RGP said the action was the outcome of an internal disciplinary process and was not based on personal differences or political disagreements.
“Party discipline, financial accountability, organisational integrity and respect for the collective decisions of the party are non-negotiable,” the party said.
The party said no individual, irrespective of their position, could place themselves above its constitution or collective interests.
The RGP said it would continue to strengthen its organisation and work towards its political objectives for Goa and Goans with a focus on transparency, accountability and discipline.
