Local Goa News

Monday, August 8, 2016

Congress MLAs hit back at Vishwajit Rane

Ridicule Valpoi MLA’s assertion that he will decide five candidates; call for restraint from such statements; asks him not to create a divide

PANJIM: A day after Valpoi MLA Vishwajit Rane shocked the party with his statements that he would decide on candidates in Valpoi, Poriem, Bicholim, Mayem and Sanquelim constituencies, without paying any heed to the GPCC, Congress MLAs have reacted strongly and said he should restrain from making such statements.

Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, dripping with sarcasm, questioned why Vishwajit is restricting himself only to five constituencies. “I don’t know why he is demanding five seats and restricting himself. He has the capacity to win all 40 seats and hence he should take that responsibility,” Madkaikar said.
He added that Vishwajit’s father is the Opposition leader and he should take the lead to win entire Goa and not one part of Goa. “(Manohar) Parrikar as Opposition leader took that responsibility, so why can’t Pratapsingh Rane?” he asked.
Quepem MLA Babu Kavlekar felt Vishwajit’s statements were wrong. “It is one thing to work for the party and take responsibility of winning certain seats but it is another when you demand some seats and say your decision would be final and binding,” said Kavlekar.
Kavlekar also said that Vishwajit should instead follow proper procedure and approach GPCC and request to name his candidates instead of bulldozing his decision. “In that case all MLAs and leaders will demand 5 to 6 candidates. What will happen to grassroots leaders?” he asked.
Curtorim MLA Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco says this is not the time to make such stray statements. “I have stopped making such statements as elections are just round the corner and hence it is time to unite and not create a divide,” Lourenco said.
He added that the leaders have to stop making statements which affect the party’s prospects.
Addressing a meeting in Bicholim on Sunday, Vishwajit had said his dream was to see his father Pratapsingh Rane as the next Chief Minister of Goa. In that meeting he made shocking remarks such as, “I will decide candidates in Mayem, Bichiolim, Sanquelim, Poriem and Valpoi. My decision will be final and nobody can challenge it. I will not pay any heed to any names finalized by the GPCC in these constituencies.”

Herald Goa News

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