Panaji: While stressing that he would make all-out efforts to ensure an opposition alliance for the Zilla Panchayat election, GPCC chief Amit Patkar said that “some people released the list of candidates in the constituencies where talks were going on.”
Patkar addressed a press conference ahead of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PEC) meeting, stating that his party was making all necessary efforts to ensure opposition unity. At the same time, he took a jibe at the Revolutionary Goans Party for announcing candidates in constituencies where alliance discussions are ongoing.
When asked to react to comments by RGP chief Manoj Parab, Patkar said, “I don’t want to comment on Manoj Parab. I would like to clarify that we released the list only where there was no discussion on partners coming together.”
He added, “Some people have released the list of constituencies where issues exist. We have a PEC today, and I think the final call will be taken after the meeting.”
“My request is to please wait for official communication. All our efforts are focused on bringing everybody together. If somebody is trying to create a rift, that is not correct,” he said.
Patkar emphasised, “I am not the person to speak arbitrarily. Our effort is to bring everyone together, including Manoj Parab and Vijai Sardesai. We have discussed this in our PEC as well. We will take the final call after discussions.”
On an alliance with RGP, Patkar said, “I don’t want to make any premature statement. Let our meeting happen, and we will take the final call. Speaking to the media prematurely is not correct on my part. Senior leaders are part of the PEC; we will discuss and communicate the outcome afterward.”
I Am Under Severe Pressure
Speaking about the alliance, Patkar said, “When different political parties come together, there are certain issues to be discussed. I know this is affecting my candidates. I am under severe pressure from across the state. Because of alliance talks, I am unable to declare anything. I will try to bring everybody together until the last moment. If somebody does not want to cooperate, then I can’t help.”
