Panaji: The dispute within Revolutionary Goans (RG) took a fresh turn on Thursday after the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office allowed former treasurer Ajay Kholkar, who has been terminated from the party, to sign the official attendance register at a meeting, while not recognising party president Shavina Naik Shirodkar.The development has further complicated the tussle between the faction led by national president Viresh Borkar and the group aligned with the party’s founder and former president Manoj Parab, amid speculation that Parab may return to the party.The CEO’s office continues to send official communications to the faction led by Parab. The North Goa collector and district election officer also handed over the draft electoral rolls to Kholkar.Kholkar, however, said he was unaware of Shirodkar’s authority and had signed the attendance register at the CEO’s office meeting only in his capacity as a party member.Shirodkar accused Parab and Kholkar of deliberately creating confusion over the party’s leadership and attempting to take control through illegitimate means. She also maintained that RG had received no proposal from Parab expressing an interest in rejoining the party.“Goans will soon find out who are the real ones and who are the fake ones. Ajay Kholkar’s lies will be exposed,” Shirodkar said.She has formally sought a copy of the attendance sheet and minutes of the meeting from the CEO to establish who represented the party.Parab quit as RG president and primary member five months ago, citing dirty politics and betrayal by Borkar. His exit triggered a bitter division within the regional party, with rival factions claiming to represent the original RG.CEO Sanjay Goel said notices had been sent to the party’s officially registered address. He clarified that the final decision on which faction is authorised to represent the party rests with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
