Cong rubbishes news report about its Goa chief getting boot

Opposition Congress today dismissed as "part of paid news," the news reports in local media regarding the sacking of its Goa unit president John Fernandes.
"I was shocked to read the news in local media today. It talks about sacking of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president John Fernandes. The news is totally baseless and looks like a part of paid news," state Congress unit spokesman Durgadas Kamat said.
After the media reports, the party issued a formal statement in the afternoon saying, "the news has been planted by some anti-party activists and disgruntled elements. The GPCC condemns the news and requests the press to kindly confirm any news from the party office."

When contacted, Fernandes said that the news might be a fallout of several "strict measures" adopted by him to "cleanse" the party unit.
"I have been going by the High Command's order to take action against those who are working against the party," he said.
"I saw the news in the media today. The party spokesman in Goa has already issued the statement about it," he added.
While Congress suspended former power minister Aleixo Sequeira yesterday for indulging in anti-party activities, it has initiated a process against several other leaders who did not work for the party during recent Lok Sabha polls.