Basdeo Panday returned home from London Tuesday night and declared "war" on those who are trying to "destroy" the United National Congress (UNC).Supporters had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome "the chief", accompanied by tassa drums.
He stood on a staircase at the airport and repeated his famous line: "If you see me and a lion fighting, feel sorry for the lion!" as he addressed the crowd, declaring that he is "ready for battle!"
He announced that "We will not allow this party to be taken over by international conmen!...This is war to save our party!"
He added, "This election is not about me, this election is about your party and whether your party which has been there for 20 years defending you will be mashed up.
"That is what faces you. And this party will never be taken over by international conmen and crooks, never!’
"My brothers and sisters, gird your loins. Put on your armour. This is war!" Panday declared as he urged supporters to attend his campaign launch on Friday night at Penal junction.
panday is moving out of his traditional stomping grounds of Chaguanas and Aranguez to go to the heart if the Siparia constituency, which is held by his leadership rival, Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
She is seen as the real threat against him although Panday is also facing a challenge for the leadership from Tabaquite MP Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj. Maharaj has so far focused his campaign on attacking Persad-Bissessar and praising Panday as a "fighter" for the people.
This is the first time in the 20-year history of the UNC that Panday is facing a challenge for the leadership. He has remained the undisputed leader of the party even when he anointed Winston Dookeran who was elected unopposed.
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