Many Margao wards to witness tough contests
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, OCT 29
Just two days for the Margao Municipal polls, all attention is focused on certain key wards of the civic body which witnessed no holds barred battle in the run up to the polls.
In ward No 16, the Coutinho’s are locked in a fierce battle to retain the seat held by Margao Municipal Chairperson Savio Coutinho for the last 15 years. Savio’s wife Pratima is locked in a close fight with Sandra Fernandes and other two candidates in the fray. There is no love lost between the Coutinho’s and Fernandes’ over the years and both have left no stone unturned to woo the electorate.
What’s interesting to note is that Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat did not go to the ward to canvass for Pratima’s candidature as Sandra and her husband Mathew are considered his close supporters.
While both the camps have held meetings and have left nothing to chance and all eyes are now focused on the migrant inhabited Azad Nagar and Fakir Bandh – whose votes are crucial for the success of any candidate.
MMC Vice-Chairperson Raju Naik is locked in a close contest in ward no 5. Raju is seeking re-election from the ward for the third time in the row. Though the contest is triangular, candidate Angelus Pereira has clearly emerged as Raju’s challenger in the run up to the polls. Both the candidates have used all armaments in their armory to reach out to the voters.
Ward No 20 of the Margao Municipal Council is also witnessing a keen tussle. Not just because two strong supporters of Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat — Damu Shirodkar and Andrew Sequeira – are in the fray, but also because of the presence of BJP leader Rupesh Mahatme, who is contesting from the ward No 20 after his ward was reserved for the OBC.
As already reported, ward No 3 and 8 are witnessing a royal battle since day one. The electoral battle has almost turned into Vijay Sardessai versus the rest , with anti-Sardessai forces in Fatorda coming together to unitedly defeat – Joseph Silva (3) and Gonzaco Rebello (8) – candidates fielded by the GPCC general secretary.
While Sardessai roped in the Alemao brothers – PWD Minister Churchill Alemao and Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao – in support of Joseph Silva, the rival camp roped in social activist Dr Oscar Rebello and former MLA Antonio Gaonkar and others in support of sitting Councilor Piedade Norohna.
Former Minister Luis Alex Cardozo is shunting between ward no 4 and 9 where his daughter Alvina and son Tito are locked in a close battle. Besides Tito, there are nine other candidates in the fray, including BJP Fatorda Block President Durgadas Prabhu, Camilo Barretto, who is the husband of sitting Councilor Livramenta, Councilor from neighbouring ward Ramdas Hazare and others.
Ward no 13 has also witnessed an interesting triangular contest between Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat supported Rosy Pereira, Rajendra Azgaonkar backed Shazia Sheikh and Leena Katkar fielded by the BJP and supported by the Margao Loksamiti.
