Goemkarponn desk
CALABGUTE:
The much-anticipated move of Minister for Waste Management and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo to enter into the Congress seems to have met stiff resistance from the Congress’ Calangute block.
Two days ago, former MLA Agnelo Fernandes, former Sarpanch and 2017 candidate Joseph Sequeira threatened to resign if the party gives entry to Lobo.
The Calangute block Congress has also appealed to people not to fall prey to the false rumours and fake news circulated on social media.
“It is a shame that Lobo is resorting to such cheap tactics to bargain a BJP ticket for him and his wife. This fake news is planted by Lobo himself,” the Calangute block said.
The Calangute block Congress says it is firm on not admitting any such tainted BJP imports into the party.
Congress party cannot be made company of the Lobo’s, the block said in a release.
The Calangute block congress met AICC in charge P Chidambaram and .Gundu Rao to express their sentiments.
“On the eve of this meeting, Lobo is planting this fake news to create disunity and distrust amongst Congress workers and well-wishers,” they said.
Benedict D’Souza, President of Calangute block Congress, said that he has no standing and to be in the limelight, Lobo becomes so desperate and frustrated that he has stooped to this level.
I never said I am joining Congress;
I said options are open: Lobo
Reacting to the threats of resignation by the Congress leaders Joseph Sequeira and Agnelo Fernandes, Lobo said it is their perception and decision, and he does not want to react.
“If they want to resign, what can I do. I have never said I am joining Congress. I have said the options are open,” he told Goemkarponn.
Asked whether he is really quitting and joining Congress, he replied, I have some issues which I will put before party high command, and if they do not listen to small workers like me, I have the right to explore other options.”
He said the MLA’s are here to work for people and not themselves
“I have named three candidates myself for Calangute, wife for Siolim and Sudhir Kandolkar for Mapusa. We will name a few more. We are selecting leaders who would work for people and not themselves,” he said.
NG Cong slams Lobo for naming
Kandolkar as Mapusa candidate
Goemkapronn desk
MAPUSA: The North Goa Congress District Committee President, Vijay Bhike hit out at the BJP MLA, Michael Lobo, for overstepping his authority by endorsing candidate names for the assembly elections for Mapusa, Siolim and Calangute.
“I am just reminding Lobo about his prerogatives. There are two to three contenders for each seat, and by announcing names, he is putting up one against the other. This will only damage the party and create in-fights. He has to learn that it is the people and senior leaders who decide the candidates, and he has no right to interfere in such sensitive matters,” said Bhike.
The Calangute MLA has failed to complete several works in his constituency, causing much inconvenience to the villagers. Prostitution, drug trade and other illicit activities have flourished with his blessings.
Bhike also called for the resignation of Lobo for speaking against his own government and suggested that the centre could intervene if necessary.
“We know you have your eyes set on Mapusa because of the huge funds allotted for the downtown planning scheme. Time and again, Lobo speaks against his own government and its failures. He should not forget that he is part of this same failed and corrupt government. Please resign and speak whatever you like,” said Bhike.