Rebellion unfolds in Congress camp over ticket distribution

MARGAO
In a first clear sign of rebellion unfolding in the Congress camp over ticket distribution, Congress contender for the Navelim seat, Rehan Mujawar on Wednesday has resigned from all posts, and has severed his ties with the Congress party.

After submitting his resignation letter at the South district committee office on Wednesday morning, Rehan did not rule out the possibility of throwing his hat in the Navelim election ring as an independent, though he was quick to say that a couple of political parties are in touch with him.

Rehan had lost the ticket race for the Navelim seat after the party nominated former Minister in the BJP regime Avertano Furtado for the seat.

Briefing the media, Rehan charged a section of party leadership for stuffing the Congress party with BJP leaders and workers. He also blamed the party leadership for its failure to nominate a Muslim candidate in Navelim, threatening that the community will teach a lesson for the Congress party in Margao, Mormugao taluka and Ponda.

Saying that a section of Congress has only used the minorities for vote-bank politics, Rehan said the community will teach a lesson to the Congress leaders for their use and throw policy. “We have been associated with the Congress party over the decades, right from the time of my grandfather. After Luizinho Faleiro quit the Congress, there was no sign of the party before I entered the arena and kept the party flag flying high. And, I have been backstabbed by our leaders by denying me the ticket,” he said.

He added: “One thing is clear I will be in the fray for the Navelim seat, whether as an Independent or some other party banner. I will consult my workers before taking the decision in the coming days.”

Charging that the Congress is being ruled by two leaders like their private limited company, Rehan questioned the secular credentials of the Congress party. 

“Party leaders said no defectors will be taken into the party, but the Congress is now stuffed with BJP leaders. When the Congress is banking on the minority vote, why the Congress cannot field a candidate from the minority community,” he wondered.

Vowing not to leave scot-free the Congress leaders responsible for scuttling his chances to bag the Congress ticket, Rehan said he not only enjoys support in Navelim, but adjoining Margao constituency as well, while dropping enough hints the Opposition leader was part of the group to deny him the ticket.