PANAJI
All India Congress Committee incharge of Goa Manikrao Thakare was on Thursday informed by campaign supporters, particularly in South Goa, about alleged mismanagement of the election machinery prompting him to seek details from the local party leaders. Despite this, Thakare remained optimistic about winning both Lok Sabha seats.
Sources revealed that Thakare received a detailed review of the campaign’s strengths and weaknesses during marathon meetings with members of the Political Affairs Committee, activists and others.
“Many NGOs and activists campaigned for the South Goa candidate Viriato Fernandes due to his background as an activist. Supporters noticed alleged lapses in election management across several constituencies, and this was conveyed to the central leader during the meeting,” said one of the attendees.
With a focus on South Goa, Congress’ stronghold, the party admitted to struggles in majority areas except a few at Benaulim, Velim and Fatorda, where INDIA bloc alliance members have legislators.
In North Goa, allegations surfaced that family members managed the campaign strategy, sidelining party leaders’ expertise. Bicholim, Sattari, Mapusa and other areas reportedly saw BJP overpowering them.
“Some leaders barely took part in the campaigns and only attended public meetings in the evening... Overall analyses do not look convincing,” the source stated.
However, top party leaders declined to comment on this stating they expect to win both Lok Sabha seats.
“Congress will win both LS seats in Goa. I have received detailed feedback from local leaders and will soon identify those who didn’t work for the party,” Thakare told reporters after concluding one-on-one meetings with the 12-member Political Affairs Committee.
He also stated that INDIA alliance will continue and they will jointly contest future elections. Sources said meeting with alliance leaders were also held thereafter.
While party leaders remained tight-lipped about the closed-door meetings with Manikrao Thakare, GPCC President Amit Patkar stated that performance evaluation by central leadership is a routine process.
"As per the election code rule, he left Goa 48 hours before the voting. He came now to review the preparations, the counting agents, etc," Patkar said, speaking to The Goan.
When asked about Thakare seeking details on the performance of leaders during the campaign following allegations of poor contribution, Patkar denied stating, "Performance evaluation is routine. He has asked us for a report, and we will submit it to him."
