TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024
Team Herald
The Talegaon village Panchayat election turned into a tense
situation when a clash erupted between residents and Panjim MLA Babush
Monserratte on Sunday. The root of the argument was the installation of a
polling tent within a 200-meter radius of the polling station. Accusations were
made against the MLA for pressurizing candidates to withdraw their nominations,
raising concerns about the fairness of the upcoming election.
Former AAP candidate Cecille Rodrigues expressed her
disappointment with the current state of affairs in the Talegaon Panchayat election.
She stated that the election cannot be considered fair when illegal activities
like the installation of a polling tent within a restricted radius are taking
place. She also pointed out the MLA's alleged involvement in pressurizing
candidates to withdraw from the election, potentially securing a clear victory
for himself.
In response, MLA Monserratte denied any wrongdoing, stating
that the election commission and flying squad are
available to investigate the matter if there is an issue. He also expressed his confidence in the
people of Talegaon, stating that he expects to receive 80 percent of the votes
in the election.
The clash between residents and the MLA outside the Talegaon
polling booth has raised concerns about the integrity of the upcoming election.
Cecille Rodrigues said that the election commission is not
answering the phone calls and is not even available at the polling station.
She further, added on saying that as per the guidelines, polling tents should
be set up at least 200 meters away from the polling station to avoid any
influence on the voters.
