Internal crisis over Bhatikar joining Cong

Margao: The discontent within Congress over the proposed induction of former MGP functionary Ketan Bhatikar escalated, with the Ponda Block Congress Committee writing to AICC Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakre, opposing his entry into the party ahead of the Ponda assembly byelection.

The letter, routed through state Congress president Amit Patkar, expressed “concern and discontent” among block office-bearers and grassroots workers, who alleged that the move bypassed the democratic process and disregarded local party sentiment. The block committee was aggrieved that Bhatikar announced on social media that he would join Congress on Feb 24, before any consultation with the block took place.


Central to the opposition is the committee’s concern over the political future of Congress functionary Rajesh Verenkar, who posted a noteworthy performance in the 2022 assembly elections, losing by a slender margin of 690 votes in a three-cornered contest.

The letter also questioned Bhatikar’s ideological credentials and raised concerns about political loyalty following his resignation from MGP after he was denied a ticket.

On Thursday, the Sanghatan Srijan meeting at Ponda turned stormy as Patkar faced tough questions from agitated workers. He pacified them by promising to hold a block-level meeting within two days, involving Thakre and opposition leader Yuri Alemao.

Meanwhile, Verenkar said that his personal friendship with Bhatikar remained intact and that the move is aimed at strengthening the party and “not an injustice” to him.

He stopped short of commenting on the bypoll ticket, saying any statement would be premature.