Congress' padyatra in Goa from Nov 14

Panaji, Nov 4 (IBNS) Goa Congress will begin 'padyatra' from Pollem check post (Canacona taluka in South Goa) on the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru November 14.

All India Congress Committee's General Secretary and in-charge of Goa desk Jagmit Singh Brar and State Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will flag off the yatra, which will culminate on UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi's birthday on December 9 in Panaji.

The announcement was made by Goa Pradesh Congress Committee's President Subhash Shirodkar at a press conference, last evening.

"Sonia Gandhi may not have contributed to Goa's liberation but her family has helped to get Statehood and in the overall development of the state...The yatra will cover all the 40 constituencies with participation of more than 400 party workers," Shirodkar said.

Speaking on inviting youth Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to address the mid-night session of Goa Assembly Session on December 18, Shirodkar clarified that it was a casual statement.

BJP protested the decision and threatened to boycott the session, which will be held to commemorate Goa's golden jubilee year of liberation. Congress has reportedly said that consent of all the 40 MLAs will be taken before taking any decision.

(Reporting by John Edwards)