No plans to join Congress for ’27 polls: Viresh Borkar

Panaji: RG MLA Viresh Borkar broke his silence on the turmoil within the party and said that founder president Manoj Parab’s resignation saddened him. Borkar quashed suggestions that he wanted to “take over” the party. He also reiterated that he will contest the St Andre seat again as RG candidate.

Borkar, who claimed to have travelled out of Goa for medical reasons, refused to discuss the party’s internal schism.

Parab quit active politics and resigned as the party’s president last week, saying that he was tired of the internal factions and divisive politics being played by the party functionaries.

“Nobody can take over the party. We have a constitution of the party and we hold elections for the post of the party president. Manoj Parab and we have worked together to build RG. His decision brought me sadness because I still have him in my heart. There will be differences, but I don’t simply want to bring those out before the general public,” said Borkar.

The St Andre MLA said he will be meeting the party’s core executive committee in the days ahead to discuss his concerns as well as allegations made against him of anti-party activities.

“I will discuss party affairs internally. I don’t want to comment on any of the allegations or party developments till I meet the CEC and the party’s office-bearers,” said Borkar.

He was also repeatedly asked if he will be joining Congress.

“People are spreading rumours that I will go with Congress or I will go to another party, but there is nothing like this. RG is a party that we all established and we know the condition of Congress and BJP right now. Goa needs to be protected and for this, we need to work together,” said Borkar.

Asked if he will contest the next elections on an RG ticket, Borkar said, “Definitely.”

“RG is our party. We will remain united and work through RG to fight the 2027 elections,” he said.