PANJIM: The St Cruz constituency continues to live in fear. No development, no jobs, no basic amenities for the villagers but enough criminal activities. TMC candidate Victor Gonsalves promises to bring a change as he laments that candidates with criminal records are in the fray.
“It is for a political party to know that certain candidates they have fielded in the upcoming Assembly elections are already not accepted by the people. Such candidates should not have been considered for the ticket, and the party should have fielded a candidate having clean image,” he said as he took a pot shot at Congress’ Rudolf Fernandes.
Gonsalves was shocked at Rudolf’s claims to Herald in its report on Thursday that he will work for the youth and provide jobs. Gonsalves said that other candidates like Fernandes meet people only at the time of elections. “I have always been with the people whether or not an MLA. In fact, no candidate is close to me in this election,” he said.
Rudolf is facing charges for cheating and the illegal transfer of names on government land. The Old Goa Police had registered a case against him in the year 2019 following a complaint with alleged documentary evidence.
“Any household you visit will know my integrity and clean background. No candidate is close to me. The people of St Cruz want me back and I am confident of victory,” said Gonsalves, who has served as MLA from 1989 to 1994.
According to the TMC candidate, nothing has changed in St Cruz constituency after he exited as MLA. “People suffered all these years. No further development has happened here after what I did as the MLA,” he said.
When asked about their choice for candidate, some the voters from St Cruz constituency made it clear that they won’t vote for candidates having criminal background and goons shielded by some for their selfish gains.
John Fernandes, a resident of St Cruz said that he will not vote for a candidate having criminal background and goons contesting the election. “I look forward to a change and want elected MLA who is dynamic, educated, and serious to work for the people,” he said.
Another voter from St Cruz, Seby Mascarenhas echoed the same views. “I wanted our next MLA to be qualified and who is interested in the welfare of the people. I will not prefer candidates with criminal records contesting the election.”
Gaurish Naik, a businessman from Chimbel said that he will not vote for candidate having criminal records. “We want a candidate who is clean, non-corrupt, and accessible to the people. Unlike the past MLAs, we want the new MLA to visit his constituency and meet people regularly.”
Sameer Vernekar, a young architect from Chimbel too said that he will vote for candidates with criminal backgrounds. “I want a change and I am looking for a young new face to get elected.”
Pritesh Naik of Merces said that he will support candidates who will devote more time to his constituents and focus to develop Merces and Chimbel areas.
Jose Carmin Fernandes, secretary of Merces Manch said that he does not find any candidate serious in solving their problems. “As we are trying our level best to preserve the ecology we met all the candidates and requested them to protect our paddy fields and not to allow illegal land fillings. Unfortunately, most of them told us that the people want construction activities in the village.”
Dean Rego of Merces said that he will vote for a candidate for experienced and who will raise people’s issues in the Legislative Assembly.