PANJIM: Taleigao Progressive Development Front, a panel formed by Revenue Minister and Panjim MLA Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate, made a clean sweep in the Taleigao Village panchayat polls by securing victory in all 11 wards.
Earlier as four members of his panel were already declared elected unopposed after their rivals withdrew nominations, the elections were held for seven wards only.
There was straight contest in those wards between the candidates of Taleigao Progressive Development Front and Taleigaokars United, a panel formed by the opposition parties.
The candidates who emerged victorious in the elections are Siddi Kerkar (Ward 1), Agnelo Da Cunha (Ward 2), Helena Pereira (Ward 3), Ratika Gawas (Ward 4), Ushant Kankonkar (Ward 5), Estella D’Souza (Ward 6), Janu Rosario (Ward 7), Maria Fernandes (Ward 8), Sanjana Diukar (Ward 9), Sagar Bandekar (Ward 10) and Sydney Barreto (Ward 11). Out of them, Siddi Kerkar, Estella D’Souza, Sagar Bandekar and Sydney Barreto were elected unopposed.
Speaking to reporters after the results were announced, Monserrate said, “Credit goes to the people of Taleigao, so I would like to thank the voters who have always supported me.”
He said this time there would be new Sarpanch and advised his opponents to strategise and face the elections instead of wasting energies on blaming him and his panel.
Taleigao MLA Jennifer Monserrate said, “We were optimistic of the victory. It is nothing new. I give full credit to the panch members and I thank the people of Taleigao. Now we are almost prepared for the Lok Sabha elections.”
Conceding the defeat, the opposition leader Cecille Rodrigues said during the next five years the Taleigaokars United members will be there in the gram sabha raising issuing concerning the panchayat.
