Mickky was distributing money: Jose Philip
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, OCT 26
Dismissing allegations that he or his supporters had attacked Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco, Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza has instead accused Pacheco of distributing money to rival candidates for the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) elections.
D’Souza, who was present along with a large number of supporters at Vasco Police station late Tuesday evening, told reporters that Pacheco was present in the town to distribute money to his rival candidates.
“There was no need for Pacheco to come to Vasco to interfere in the council elections. Pacheco is working along with my rivals to defeat my wife and brother who are contesting in the polls,” alleged D’Souza.
“Being an MLA from my own party, he is working against me and this is unacceptable,” said D’Souza. He claimed that a “mob” had assaulted Pacheco in the hotel.
“I did not assault Pacheco. In fact, a mob attacked him as he was present in Vasco to distribute money for the candidates. He deserves such punishment from the people,” claimed D’Souza.
He further stated that he has informed his high command about Pacheco’s anti-party activity.
“Pacheco wants to make a back-door entry to regain the ministry and wants to please the party high command by proving that I will not win with my candidates in the polls,” D’Souza said.
Margao reporter adds: NCP MLA Mickky Pacheco has termed as false the allegations made by Revenue Minister, Jose Philip D’Sousa that he came with money to distribute to the voters in Vasco.
“If Jose Philip had the information that I came with money for distribution in Vasco, he should have complained to the police and conducted a search”, Pacheco said.
Saying that Jose Philip came with goons to attack him at Hotel Mahraja, Pacheco wondered whether he cannot go to any restaurant and have water.
