CCP polls: PINC could come in handy for BJP
SHWETA KAMAT
Panjim, March 5: The oncoming Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) polls has something which otherwise might be called as a politically incorrect.
social activists like Oscar Rebello and Arvind Bhatikar, who, otherwise, find BJP leader Manohar Parrikar ideologically wrong, are supporting almost half of the candidates in his panel.
PINC (Panjimiites Initiative for Change) has seen these social workers get into tongue lashing against the corrupt and scam-ridden CCP affairs and also are moving door to door appealing people to vote for the right candidates.
In a recently held press conference, PINC announced their 29 favourites out of 30 wards including NCP General Secretary Avinash Bhosle. The NCP leader seemed to be only odd face in the list.
“We have given you a choice of candidates, who are young, who have no money and are clean,” Rebello said.
“There are some candidates who have swimming pools in their house,” one of the candidate said only to be rebutted by Rebello. The practicing doctor said that ‘they have offered comparatively a better list of candidates, whom you can grill and make perform.’
PINC has come as a relief for BJP backed panel as they have another force, which is anti-Babush.
There are 15 BJP backed candidates, followed by 15 Independents including social activist Aires Rodrigues and four NCP candidates.
“Anyone who supports us are welcome. Each vote counts in such kind of situation,” Parrikar said offering a cautious reaction on PINC.
PINC, which is the first ever attempt by many social activists to directly get involved in the civic polls, has a former IAS officer, doctors, professors, freedom fighter, and other like minded individuals.
Rebello told Herald that they have been going around in each wards after their regular working hours and asking people to vote for PINC recognized candidates. Election analyst said that increase in voting percentage will work in favour of BJP backed and NCP backed panel.
“In the civic polls, usually upper middle class people and middle class people don’t come out to vote. They enjoy their picnic on that day. If they come out then for sure, Babush panel will be in trouble,” an election analyst said.
Monserratte, who is boycotted by PINC, refused to offer any comment on this initiative. “I have nothing to comment. I believe in God. God and Panaji people will decide,” he reacted.
