Congress leader seeks action against GPCC chief for contradicting Digvijaya Singh

PANAJI: In an indication of growing factionalism in the Goa Congress unit, a party leader today demanded action against state unit president Luizinho Faleiro for "contradicting" AICC general secretary Digvijaya Singh on former minister Churchill Alemao rejoining the fold.

During his recent visit to the coastal state, Singh, who is the AICC in-charge of Goa desk, had stated that people with the "corruption baggage" would not be entertained in the party.

Singh was apparently alluding to Alemao's attempt to rejoin Congress.

Goa will be facing Assembly elections next year.

Alemao, who was booked in the Louis Berger bribery case last year, had quit the party during 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Faleiro yesterday stated that Singh's statement against the entry of the former minister into the party was his "personal opinion".

Taking strong objection to Faleiro's statement, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) secretary Durgadas Kamat said, "Digvijaya Singh is the All India Congress Committee in-charge of the Goa desk. His statement cannot be taken as a personal opinion".

Kamat told reporters that action needs to be initiated against those talking against Singh. "The statement against Singh will not be tolerated," he said.

While addressing a sports meet in Margao town, Faleiro had reportedly made a pitch for Alemao's entry.

In 2015, Alemao was booked for allegedly accepting bribe to favour Louis Berger firm in connection with the sewerage and water supply augmentation project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

He was jailed for 15 days by Crime Branch before getting bail.