Congress Workers Corner Amit Patkar Over Ketan Bhatikar's Induction in Ponda
State Congress president Amit Patkar faced a barrage of tough questions at the party's Sanghatan Srijan programme held in Ponda on Thursday. Party workers cornered him over reports of former MGP functionary Ketan Bhatikar's probable induction into the Congress ahead of the crucial Ponda bypoll.
Workers Express Strong Reservations and Disappointment
Party members voiced strong reservations about Bhatikar's alleged continued ties with his former party, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP). Workers expressed deep disappointment over the party's failure to consult grassroots workers regarding this significant move. They raised fears that Bhatikar, if given a ticket and elected, could potentially defect to the BJP, leaving loyal Congress workers sidelined for nothing.
Several members demanded to know who was pulling the strings behind this controversial move. They strongly asserted that Congress functionary Rajesh Verenkar, who contested the last assembly election on a Congress ticket and remained steadfastly loyal to the party, should be the bypoll candidate instead of an outsider.
Patkar's Response and Bhatikar's Announcement
While Patkar stated that a decision over Bhatikar's "expression of intent to join Congress" would be taken after consultations at all levels of the party organisation, Bhatikar himself announced late Thursday that he would formally join the Congress on February 24. This announcement added fuel to the already heated discussions among party workers.
Patkar attempted to pacify the agitated workers, assuring them that all decisions would be made only after due consultations at every level of the party structure. He promised to hold a block-level meeting within two days, involving AICC incharge for Goa Manikrao Thakre and the leader of opposition Yuri Alemao, to address the concerns raised by the grassroots members.
Broader Implications for Congress Strategy
The incident highlights growing tensions within the Congress party in Goa as it prepares for the Ponda bypoll. The workers' resistance underscores a broader sentiment against importing leaders from rival parties without proper vetting and consultation. This episode could impact the party's unity and electoral strategy in the upcoming contest.
The demand for Rajesh Verenkar as the candidate reflects a preference for homegrown, loyal leadership over perceived opportunistic alliances. How the Congress leadership navigates this internal dissent will be crucial for its prospects in Ponda and beyond.
