The ‘Ami Pan jekar’ panel on Thursday accused the ruling dis pensation of attempting to coerce its candidates into withdrawing from the March 11 Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections, alleging intim idation and inducements in the run-up to the with drawal deadline. Addressing the media, panel leader Dattaprasad Naik claimed that at least 12 candidates backed by the group had faced pres sure over the past two days. “For the last two days, at least 12 candidates field ed by us were pressurised and intimidated to with draw from the fray. We have screenshots of phone calls made to our candi dates,” Naik claimed. He alleged that the pres sure intensified on Thurs day — the final day for withdrawal of nominations.
Naik alleged direct intervention by Revenue Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate and his supporters. “A few hours before the withdrawal deadline, the Minis ter and his supporters went to the hospital to pressurise the candidate. The entire incident has been captured on the hospital’s CCTV,” according to Naik, referring to a pri vate hospital where the mother of one of their candidates is admitted. Naik further alleged that the visits were part of a broad er attempt to weaken the opposition panel. “The Minister’s supporters are visiting the residences of our candidates, pressurising them to withdraw and offering inducements. However, our candidates have responded firmly,” he said. Suggesting that the alleged tactics reflected anxiety within the rival camp, Naik added, “The Minister was ear lier confident of winning 30 seats. He has now realised the electoral situation is not in his favour.” Terming the alleged actions undemocratic, the Ami Pan jekar leaders demanded immediate intervention by the State Election Commissioner and the returning officer to ensure a level playing field. They said formal complaints, along with supporting evidence, would be submitted. “We have full confidence in our candidates. They have refused to bow to pressure and we stand firmly behind our panel. We are confident of winning the CCP elections,” Naik added.
