Cong takes over 1 year to appoint John, a new GPCC chief
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 18 December 2013 14:36 IST
It took almost one year and eight months for the Congress to appoint a new state president for Goa – former Rajya Sabha MP John Fernandes.
The announcement was made tonight from Delhi, replacing Subhash Shirodkar.
Shirodkar has put in his papers soon after the Congress miserably lost the Assembly election in March last year.
However, Congress could not find a suitable leader, who is non-controversial and unpopular.
Though Fernandes is not a popular leader among the masses, he is also not unpopular like most of the Congress leaders.
The 61-year old Congress loyalist has been the Rajya Sabha MP twice, from 1987 to 1999, repeating his term.
He was also the GPCC general secretary from 1976 to 1987.
A lawyer with LLB degree, Fernandes is more known as a silent player in the Congress, but vocal on several issues with his firm views.
With his appointment, the existing GPCC committee has also been dissolved, paving way for Fernandes to reorganise the whole structure state-wide.
John has been a leader of the Congress since his leadership of the Youth Congress. He has held responsible positions and has years of experience running the organisation. He is simple and friendly and does not put up big show.
Congress needs to be strong in Goa as we need strong opposition in the state for the time being and if BJP does does not perform to the satisfaction, Congress will have to be elected again.
I am sure John will infuse new blood in the Congress and slowly but surely make Congress strong in Goa again.