Team Herald
MARGAO: Congress’ Fatorda candidate Jose D’Silva has started his campaign in right earnest with his door-to-door visits and by lending a patient ear to the voters’ woes.
Admitting that political uncertainty has delayed his campaign, Jose says he is confident of his victory as he has been active in the constituency for quite some time now and the Congress members have been consistently working here.
Dismissing his opponent Vijai Sardesai’s claim of enjoying Scheduled Tribe community’s support, D’Silva pointed out that 50 people do not constitute the Fatorda constituency, which has nearly 8000 ST voters.
“Vijai lost the 2007 elections when I was not with him but won the 2012 elections because I backed him,” D’Silva said, adding that this time Sardesai’s defeat is certain.
Not blaming the Congress leaders, who were pressing for an alliance with Vijai and his Goa Forward Party, he accused Vijai for creating confusion and nuisance only to “suit” his purpose.
It was an emotional moment for Jose as the elderly ST women showered their blessings on him and assured their support as he canvassed in Mogalli near the Chowgule College in Fatorda constituency.
Congress party workers accompanying him were also very enthused and appreciated Luizinho Faleiro for galvanising the Block Committee after taking over as the GPCC President.
Comparing the current situation to the 2012 elections, they accused Vijai of “hijacking” the Congress Block Committee along with the Seva Dal and other units by adversely affecting the party’s performance in the elections.
Taking a jibe at former minister Luis Alex Cardoso and his son Tito Cardozo, they alleged that, 15 years ago, the duo was asking people not to trust Vijai but today they have joined hands with him for their selfish interests.
Joseph is only concentrating on his door-to-door campaign and plans to hold corner meetings rather than large public meetings.
