BJP, NCP supporters clash in Vasco

VASCO: Vasco police filed cross Non-Cognizable complaints against NCP and BJP supporters after the two groups had a clash over distribution of Khariwado structures and jetty settlement plan prepared by MPT, on Thursday. According to Police the incident occurred when a group of NCP supporters raised their objections over the distribution of copies of Khariwado plan to the people of Khariwado by few fishermen supporting the BJP candidate. This led to a verbal argument between both the groups. However, police team rushed to the site and took control over the situation in time. Vasco P I Nolasco Raposo informed that after receiving cross complaints, they have registered non-cognizable offence and further investigation is in progress.

300 varied political workers back Damu

MARGAO: Over 300 men and women affiliated to various parties and candidates of Fatorda have quit and joined Fatorda BJP candidate Damu Naik till date. On Thursday, 80 persons officially joined the BJP. 

This is fifth entry of men and women who have been working with other parties and politicians. Earlier, during the week over 100 political workers from Madel and Murida in Fatorda area joined BJP.

While inducting the workers, Damu Naik urged the youth of Goa to vote ethically and vote for their future this election. “The youth today is educated and they know who will support and uplift them in the future,” Damu said. He also said that the youth have realised that their aspirations can be fulfilled by the Narendra Modi government in the centre and BJP in Goa and has urged them to exercised their supreme power of voting.

Having patched up with his old foes, Damu is confident of winning the election, while Vijai banks on his critique towards BJP and betrayal of Congress. 

Cong complains against Vijai

MARGAO: Fatorda Block Congress member Avinash Tavares has filed a complaint with the Election Commissioner of India and Chief Electoral Officer for violation of Code of Conduct by Goa Forward Party Candidate Vijai Sardesai. The complaint says that at a public meeting at Chapel Ground on February 1, Vijai Sardesai said that he had built a temple in Fatorda during his current term and that he would build a church at Borda if elected. Avinash filed the complaint claiming that these statements are in violation of the Peoples Representation Act and ECI circular which prohibits the use of religion for campaign. Relying on a SC, Tavares has demanded that action be taken against the candidate including annulling the election if necessary for influencing the voters based on religion.

BBSM defends MGP’s silence on MoI

PANJIM: Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) on Thursday defended principal alliance partner Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party’s (MGP) silence on the MoI issue saying it is due to the Supreme Court guidelines. Speaking to the media, BBSM leader Uday Bhembre said, “Every party has its own ideology and our principal alliance partner MGP has not opposed our stand on the MoI issue but are silent and had not included it in their manifesto due to the Supreme Court guidelines stating that elections cannot be contested based on language.” “Nowhere has it been said that in an alliance there should be only a single manifesto. Every political party has its own ideology which they follow. In our case our principal alliance partner MGP chose not to take the risk in including language issue in their manifesto but GSM and Shiv Sena came up with a single manifesto because both parties had same view,” Bhembre said. Meanwhile, BBSM Chief Subhash Velingkar expressing confidence said that alliance will win a minimum of 22 seats.

BJP is greedy for power, says Deepak 

PONDA: MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar, who is contesting from Priol constituency, accused the BJP of being is greedy for power. “In 2007, the BJP lost to the Congress as the saffron party fought the polls without an alliance. Thereafter, it formed an alliance with the MGP in 2012 and won 21 seats. However, the BJP halted the MGP’s development works by forgetting our contribution,” he said. “The BJP follows the policy of use and throw. Therefore, we terminated the alliance and now they will realise their real strength,” he commented. Predicting a massive victory for the MGP-GSM-Shiv Sena alliance, Deepak ruled out supporting any party in forming the government after the elections.

Shiroda MGP candidate booked

PONDA: Ponda Police registered an offence, on Thursday, against Shiroda MGP candidate Abay Prabu and Subash Tari in connection arson attack in which a car belonging to Independent candidate Diya Shetkar was set on fire in Shiroda constituency, on Wednesday. Shetkar’s car was set on fire on Wednesday late evening when she was campaigning door-to-door after parking the vehicle at Ame in Bethora. Shetkar suffered nervous shock due to the incident and was admitted to Ponda sub-district Hospital where she lodged complaint against Abay Prabu and Subash Tari as suspects in the case. Police are investigating into the case.

Babashan riding on Cong wave

MARGAO: Congress candidate Wilfred alias Babashan D’Sa appears all set to wrest the Nuvem seat from Mickky Pacheco. While Babashan is riding the crest of the Congress wave, Mickky is receiving a negative vibe in the constituency primarily for two reasons. The first being that there has been no much development in the constituency in the last five years and the second being Mickky’s shenanigans with the law. His repeated brushes with the law and spending time in the jail has become an embarrassment to the voters specially the young and educated.