NT Reporter
Margao
South Goa political heavyweight and former chief minister Churchill Alemao has expressed his willingness to rejoin the Congress party, stating he is ready to make the move if invited by the party leadership.
Speaking to media persons on Saturday after meeting newly re-appointed Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Girish Chodankar, Alemao said the visit was primarily to offer his congratulations.
“I went to congratulate Girish on being appointed as the Congress state president for the fourth time,” Alemao said. “The Congress is an ocean, and its guards are usually not the type to leave. It is a good thing that he is back at the helm.
“I told Chodankar his return is a positive development because he brings extensive experience from both North and South Goa. If they call me, I will join them. There is still a lot of time before tickets are finalised; so we will see.”
Praising the party’s high command, the former Benaulim MLA spoke highly of the Gandhi family. “Sonia Gandhi has always been good to us, and I have never spoken against her. She is a fine lady and the primary reason the party is alive today. Her son and daughter are also doing good work. While it is difficult to find a prime minister like Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul certainly has the ability to lead the nation.”
Expressing his desire to contest the forthcoming Assembly elections from Benaulim, Alemao revealed that his daughter, Valanka Alemao, would contest from the Navelim constituency. When asked about his son, Savio Alemao, the veteran politician noted that the final decision would be left entirely to the son.
Talking about his enduring political influence in the region, Alemao emphasised his bond with the grassroots.
“My base of 5,000 core votes in Benaulim remains intact; I have always stayed close to the people of Benaulim and Navelim. I cannot stop other political parties from approaching me—for instance, AAP leader Atishi visited me recently—but we have not given commitments to anyone. The people of Goa value secularism,” Alemao added.
