http://oheraldo.in/node/8961
NCP squabble hots up We can do without Willy, assert rebels BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 24 — The ongoing battle within the NCP reached a new height today with the rebel faction foreseeing a party minus Willy, even as they demanded a special executive committee meeting and creation of the post of working president. Amidst all this high-drama an eight-member delegation, including Agriculture Minister Mickky Pacheco is leaving for Mumbai on Wednesday to brief NCP leaders on the Goa scenario. In the meantime, Pacheco told newsmen today that he is ready to take over the party leadership if majority of the party-men and the party high command wanted him to do so. Briefing newsmen, NCP Goa unit general secretary Ulhas Naik said that most of the executive committee members favour a post of working president to improve the party functioning as Deputy Chief Minister Wifred de Souza's leadership has been a "total failure" at the organisational level. "Our demand (should not be construed as a) revolt against Dr Willy's leadership. We are not demanding Willy's head, but a total re-structuring of the party organisation to meet the aspirations of all sections and regions of the State," Naik said. Naik replied in the positive when asked whether the NCP has any future in Goa minus Dr Willy, adding that Pacheco is willing to extend both moral and financial support for the growth of the party. He claimed that most of the important party positions are occupied by persons staying within 7-8 km radius of Saligao and who come from the minority community. "Why party-men from South Goa and members of the majority community do not find a place on important positions?" he asked. Meanwhile, Naik claimed that there was no democratic set up in the organisation in the State, alleging that some of the office bearers are using the party banner and position to further their personal and business interests. -- May your God be with you. Gabe Menezes. London, England
