Goa Congress gets new president; goes defensive on govt toppling

Goa Pradesh Congress has finally got new state president. Rajya Sabha MP from Goa, Shantaram Naik has been appointed as the new PCC chief following Luizinho Faleiro's resignation.

The order issued on Friday afternoon states that "Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi has accepted the suggestion to appoint Shantaram Naik as the president of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee".

Shantaram Naik's term as Rajya Sabha MP ends on July 28. His name was considered for the post along with former union law minister Ramakant Khalap and general secretary Adv Yatish Naik.

"I met Rahul Gandhi few days back and expressed my desire to work for the party as my term as Rajya Sabha MP is coming to an end. I am grateful that he gave me this opportunity," said Naik.

While questioned about Congress' plans to topple the present BJP-led government, he preferred a defensive approach. "This government would fall on its own. We won't have to dislodge it," he said.

Majority of Congress MLAs were demanding removal of Faleiro from the post claiming he is the biggest obstacle in forming Congress government in Goa. However, after Naik's appointment, even opposition leader Babu Kavlekar attempted to evade a direct answer.

"Everyone knows who has the mandate of the people. This government doesn't have it," he said.

Shantaram Naik has stated that strengthening the party organisation from booth level and galvanising the cadre would be his top priority.