Panaji: RG, which was thrown into open turmoil after its founder president Manoj Parab quit, found itself in a further power struggle after its lone MLA Viresh Borkar declared himself as the party’s national president.In a 3am move, Borkar also suspended two senior office-bearers – general secretary Vishvesh Naik and treasurer Ajay Kholkar – pending disciplinary inquiries into alleged violations of the party’s constitution, and unauthorised conduct. Incidentally, Naik and Kholkar are close to Parab and have been vocal critics of Borkar’s actions.In the same sweep, Borkar dissolved every organisational unit of the party, from the state level to ward committees, and ordered fresh elections to these bodies within 45 days, a move he framed as necessary to revive the party ahead of the upcoming elections.The party office released a statement saying that all the press releases, letters, and communications issued by Borkar are “unauthorised, unofficial, and have no approval from the competent authority” of the party.Kholkar has pushed back sharply, disputing not just the suspension but the foundation on which it rests. He contends RG’s constitution contains no provision for a national president, raising the question of whether Borkar has the authority to issue such orders at all.Kholkar said he intends to seek legal opinion and has flagged concerns over the use of the party’s letterhead in issuing the notice. Notably, he maintained he has received no formal suspension notice and argued that only the party’s central executive committee (CEC) holds the power to remove or admit members. Kholkar pointed to the CEC’s earlier termination of 10 party members as the only valid organisational action on record.That earlier action forms the second flashpoint. Borkar revoked the June 16 termination orders against 10 members, including his loyalists Aditya Dessai, Premanand Havlu Gaude, Vishal Gauns Dessai and Rahul Naik. Borkar said the original expulsion was not carried out in accordance with the party’s constitution. Yet, the reinstatement carries a sting, as all 10 have simultaneously been placed under suspension pending disciplinary proceedings.“The party remains committed to transparency, internal democracy, and ensuring that all disciplinary proceedings are conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution. The party has stated that both suspended office-bearers will be given a chance to present their defence in line with natural justice and the party’s internal provisions before any final decision is made,” said Borkar.With the assembly polls looming and organisational elections now ordered within 45 days, the outcome of this dispute is likely to determine not just who leads RG, but what structure of leadership the party recognises going forward.
