Panday blocks no-confidence motion

Panday’s intervention came as members attempted to pass a motion to remove Dookeran as the political leader during its National Congress at the Multipurpose Facility at Couva.

Panday reminded supporters that he had stopped the motion from being passed last Saturday because he wanted to meet with Dookeran in a bid to unite the divided party.

He told members that he had met with Dookeran at his (Panday) home last Tuesday and asked him whether there could be unity in the party. Panday said Dookeran told him that they had to settle some issues.

But at the end of the talks, Panday said he still did not get a clear, precise and definite answer as to what the issues were. He said he asked Dookeran to meet with him again and the political leader agreed to call to fix a date. But Panday said Dookeran did not call him, even though he had left several messages for him (Dookeran).

Eventually Panday said he contacted Dookeran on Friday but the political leader said he would meet with him next week.

Panday warned members that Dookeran’s advisers and financers were waiting to see whether they (members) would pass the no-confidence motion yesterday. “Do not fall into the trap. They will tell him (Dookeran) how can you talk unity talks when they passing motion of no-confidence in you. Adjourn for two to three weeks and if by that time you are convinced that unity is not in the cards then do as you wish,” he added.

During his meeting with Dookeran, Panday said he had asked the political leader what he wants for the party to be united.

Dookeran, he said, told him that he wanted to lead the party. “I asked him whose stopping him. I reminded him that I had handed over to him on a silver platter the political leadership of the party.”

Reminding him that he was no longer the Opposition Leader and party chairman but pointed out that, “The power of the leader resides not in the office he holds but the personality and strength of character of the leader.”

Dookeran, he said, told him that he still had influence on members. Panday said he admitted to him that some members still called him for advise but the only way he could stop that was by committing suicide.

The former chairman told supporters of rumours that the Dookeran faction had planned to register another political party called “New National Congress.” He added that their symbol would be a rising son.

But inspite of this Panday told supporters, “We must give it our best shot in attempt to unite the party.”