Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 25: Political tensions escalated in Goa as the Congress and Goa Forward Party (GFP) sparred over the curtailed Budget session of the state Assembly, exposing visible cracks within the opposition ranks.

AICC Goa desk-in-charge Manikrao Thakare on Tuesday accused GFP chief Vijai Sardesai of virtually supporting the government’s decision to cut short the session, even as the regional party dismissed the charge and stood firmly behind its leader.

In a video message, Thakare backed Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, clarifying that the Congress fully supports his stand in the Assembly. He dismissed as “wrong and malicious” reports suggesting the party had distanced itself from Alemao over his “Judas” remark against Sardesai.

“The Congress party stands firmly with Yuri Alemao. Any interpretation of my earlier comments as a lack of confidence is completely incorrect,” Thakare said.

He further alleged that Sardesai’s intervention in the House, including raising a point of order citing the Model Code of Conduct, appeared to align with the ruling side at a time when the opposition was trying to highlight public issues.

“In that situation, Alemao’s reaction was natural,” Thakare added, while maintaining that his earlier remarks were only meant to advise restraint in the use of language during heated debates. He described Alemao as a “tall Congress leader” with full authority to take decisions on behalf of the party.

Reacting strongly, the GFP rallied behind Sardesai, with its State Executive affirming complete support to its president. The party criticised the Congress for reviving the controversy and said it had already “forgiven and forgotten” the episode.

The GFP also urged rivals to move on and focus on the ongoing by-poll campaign instead of revisiting past issues.

The exchange underscores growing strain within opposition parties in Goa amid the ongoing political developments surrounding the Assembly session.