Political outfit won’t be disbanded, says Manoj Parab
Panaji: Stating that the party is supreme and no one is above it, Revolutionary Goans Party chief Manoj Parab on Sunday said strict action will be taken against those involved in anti-party activities, irrespective of their position or status.
Addressing a press conference in the city along with other party leaders, Parab alleged that certain elements within the party are attempting to create a split on communal lines.
“There are forces trying to divide the party and take over, and they are to some extent successful in creating a rift within the party.”
He said the party will not be dissolved.
Parab claimed that Julius Almeida was trying to create differences between him and the party MLA Viresh Borkar and the matter was already brought to the legislator’s attention.
The RGP chief claimed that he had “literally cried” in front of Borkar on multiple occasions while warning him of internal attempts being made to create a rift in the party. Responding to news reports on possible dissolution of the party, RGP leader Ajay Kholkar said that no such decision has been taken by the core executive committee (CEC) of the party, maintaining that the party will not be disbanded.
“Fake narrative” is being deliberately spread regarding the status of the party, he said, reiterating that the RGP remains active and committed to its political agenda in Goa.
Kholkar said the party has issued a show-cause notice to MLA Borkar over alleged continued association with Almeida despite objections.
He claimed that the legislator skipped several CEC meetings.
He said the notice was issued on April 16, followed by reminders on April 21, April 29, and the final reminder was sent on May 3.
“We will call the MLA to the party office, meet him officially and seek clarification,” Kholkar said.
He also claimed that Almeida was never an “official member” of the party and was only seen accompanying Borkar, adding that Almeida was issued a clarification notice for allegedly working against the party and seeking the removal of Parab as the president of the party.
He further stated that Almeida worked as a staffer for the MLA.
Signs of an internal rift within the party have surfaced publicly after Parab launched a series of social media posts pointed at party leaders.
Several of those reportedly targeted are considered close to the St Andre MLA, fuelling speculation of divisions within the party.
Borkar had said, “All of us need to remain united and the RGP needs to continue and we need to take this movement to the people. We are all together. There are a lot of allegations being made (about anti-party activities) but there is nothing like that. I am in the party.”
It is pertinent to note that in the 2022 Assembly elections the RGP recorded over 10 per cent vote share, and Borkar was elected as the lone legislator of the party.
