MARGAO, OCT 14
BJP-backed candidates on Thursday sought blessings of Margao’s Presiding Deity, Lord Damodar at Pimpalkatta, even as BJP leaders vowed not only to provide a non-corrupt and stable Margao Municipal Council, but win the Margao seat in the coming Assembly polls.
Fatorda MLA Damu Naik and BJP leaders, Rupesh Mahatme and Sharmad Raiturcar accompanied the candidates to Pimpalkatta to offer the sacred coconut to Lord Damodar.
Rupesh Mahatme later told newsmen that the BJP has fielded candidates in 17 wards and is supporting three other candidates in Margao. “The party-backed list of candidates will be announced in a day or two”, he said.
Replying to a question, he said BJP-led panel will strive to provide a non-corrupt and stable Council to the Margao citizens. “The name of Margao took a severe beating in the last five years. We appeal to the citizens of Margao to support the BJP-backed candidates to provide a stable and non-corrupt council”, he said.
Mahatme said that the garbage problem facing the city has been lingering now for the last 3-4 years, adding “we will solve this garbage problem, but most importantly, our panel will also solve the corruption plaguing the Civic body”.
Replying to a question, Mahatme said he has been forced to contest from ward no 20 after his ward was reserved for OBC candidate this time. “In the last Municipal polls, the geographical boundary of my ward was changed in such a manner that it was reserved for women. This time, my ward is reserved for OBC candidate”, he said, adding that he has been forced to contest from Ward No 20 due to manipulation of the wards by the powers that be.
He issued a warning to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat not to take the BJP for granted in the 11 wards falling in Margao constituency, adding that the BJP’s target is not only to win the Municipal polls, but lay the ground for the coming Assembly polls.
