Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 24: The internal rift within the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) intensified on Friday after party treasurer Ajay Kholkar questioned the validity of his suspension, alleging that the order issued by RGP MLA Viresh Borkar was unconstitutional.

Earlier in the day, Borkar announced the dissolution of all state, district, block, taluka, ward and other organisational committees. He also suspended Kholkar and party general secretary Vishvesh Naik, while directing that fresh executive elections be conducted within 45 days.

Reacting to the development, Kholkar said the suspension order had been signed by Borkar as "National President", a designation which, according to him, does not exist in the party constitution.

He said legal opinion would be sought on the issue and alleged that the move was an attempt to take control of the party.

"How can someone suddenly claim the post of National President after four-and-a-half years?" Kholkar questioned, adding that no individual could take such major decisions without consulting other party members.

Kholkar claimed he came to know about the development through media reports and criticised the manner in which the order was issued.

He maintained that he continued to remain the party treasurer and said any disciplinary action should be decided by the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC) or disciplinary committee.

Questioning the demand for party documents following the organisational overhaul, Kholkar said it was unusual for someone claiming to have taken charge of the party to seek access to its official records.

Despite the ongoing dispute, Kholkar asserted that party workers remained united and that internal discussions were underway to respond through the appropriate organisational forums.