Panaji: The Congress party in Goa had to initially fight the trust deficit after series of its MLAs leaving the party to join BJP, but people have now realised that the “garbage”has gone, Viriato Fernandes, Congress candidate from South Goa Parliamentary constituency said.
Talking to GNH, Fernandes, who is a former Captain from the Indian Navy, said that the congress had to fight back lot of criticism and scepticism initially. “There was a trust deficit. The workers and common people had witnessed how a group of MLAs left party in 2019 and later in 2023,” he said.
Fernandes said that the party leaders led by current Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar had to visit every block and interact with the supporters and voters. “Initially, everyone was reacting negatively towards us. They were venting out their anger towards us. But at last, they were convinced that it was not us, but those who left the party were responsible for their actions,” he said.
The Congress leader said that it was good that “garbage” from the party was thrown out in the entire process. “Some left for the position while for some money. The congress is now left with the loyal leaders and it is part of the honest people,” he commented.
Fernandes is contesting from South Goa Parliamentary seat to retain it with the party. South Goa is considered as a bastion of the Congress party. The 2019 election saw Congress candidate Francisco Sardinha winning the elections from here.
Fernandes said that the formation of INDIA Alliance has further strengthened the possibility of winning this seat, once again. “AAP leaders are already campaigning for me. The Congress workers are working with enthusiasm to win this seat.
BJP has fielded business woman Pallavi Dempo on this seat.
He said that the party had began its campaign in this constituency much in advance, even before the candidate was announced. “We were told by our leaders that we should start campaigning for the party symbol. The candidate could be announced later at any time,” he said.
Fernandes said that he himself has covered more than 15 assembly constituencies in South Goa. The South Goa Parliamentary constituency as 20 assembly constituencies.
