Congress high command sends observers to South Goa for secret survey?

NEW DELHI: With the stalemate continuing over the candidate for the South Goa Lok Sabha seat, reliable sources claimed that the Congress high command has sent two observers from a neighboring state to conduct a secret survey in the constituency.

Our source said, “The observers reached Goa on Wednesday and have already started their work in South Goa. They are visiting various  areas in the constituency and have been given a very clear assignment to focus on Ponda, Shiroda, Cuncolim, Quepem, Curchorem, Sanvordem, Sanguem and Canacona which have a huge ‘silent voter’ base. While the voting patterns of Nuvem, Curtorim, Benaulim, and Navelim are more or less known and predictable, voters in Margao are likely to vote for the BJP with Digambar Kamat using all his personal contacts.

The observers are expected to submit the details of their survey to the high command by Friday. It is learnt that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is personally monitoring the latest developments in South Goa and does not want to lose the seat at any cost.

A source close to the Congress President said that the South Goa Lok Sabha seat is a traditional Congress stronghold. “We are not going to lose this seat to the BJP merely because some leaders have put personal priorities above those of the party. The party President is personally monitoring the situation. The ticket will be given to the strongest candidate and no personal favors will be entertained,” the source said.

The Congress high command is very upset over the lack of unity among Congress leaders in South Goa. “Strict action will be taken after the polls are over. Anti-party activities, both openly and secretly will not be tolerated. We are analyzing the feedback from various sources. Heads are likely to roll if party leaders do not fall in line. There will be no favoritism and winability is the most important criteria. Loyal party workers should stay loyal and support the party. If they play games, they are not loyal to the party and action will be taken against them,” the source said, hinting at 2-3 South Goa Congress leaders who have created a rift in the party and angered voters.

The candidate is likely to be announced by the 7th (Sunday) or 8th April, the source said.