Ahead of the upcoming elections to the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar has said that Utpal Parrikar must clearly spell out his ideological position in relation to the BJP.
The statement has triggered discussions within Congress circles, particularly following Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao’s recent announcement that the party would extend support to a panel led by Utpal Parrikar in the CCP elections.
Responding to questions on whether such a move could carry ideological consequences for the party, Patkar maintained that the Congress is engaged in a direct ideological battle against the BJP. He clarified that while CCP elections are not officially contested on party symbols, the Congress would align only with individuals who share its core values.
“Our fight is against the BJP. For the CCP polls, the Congress will support only like-minded people,” Patkar said.
When asked about the possibility of a tie-up with Parrikar and its potential ideological fallout, Patkar asserted that the Congress would firmly oppose any panel backed by the BJP in the civic polls. He added that Parrikar must clearly articulate where he stands ideologically, as the Congress has drawn a clear line in its opposition to the BJP.
“There is a sharp ideological divide between the Congress and the BJP. There will be no friendly contests anymore. In this context, Utpal Parrikar must make his position clear, because the Congress’ stand is unambiguously anti-BJP,” Patkar stated.
Sources indicated that Patkar’s remarks have led to deliberations within the party, with senior leaders discussing whether Alemao’s statement on supporting a Parrikar-led panel reflected a personal view or an officially approved position of the Congress.
Some leaders are also understood to have questioned the political gains of backing a Parrikar-led panel and whether such support would translate into future political reciprocity for the party.
Meanwhile, responding to remarks by Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, Patkar said that while he shares a close personal bond with the legislator, his role as GPCC president requires him to take a broader statewide perspective, particularly on the sensitive issue of alliances with non-BJP political forces.
He emphasised that decisions on alliances must be guided by the larger interests of the party and its ideological commitments rather than individual opinions.
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