MARGAO: Former Chief Minister Luizinho Faleiro may have left the Congress but the Congress committee will have a tough time in deciding the candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections in Navelim constituency, as Antonio Alvares, a close friend of former minister Avertano Furtado (now Congress member) is firm on his decision to contest the elections in Navelim.
Speaking to Herald, Antonio said Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar has personally informed him that the party has not assured ticket to the Avertano in Navelim Constituency.
It may be noted that Antonio, who is a teacher by profession, is a close friend of Avertano. He was one of the few who supported and worked hard for Avertano to defeat Churchill Alemao in the 2012 elections. Now, entry of Avertano into the Congress has created major confusion, as Antonio is also an aspirant for the Congress ticket.
“The exit of Luizinho and entry of Avertano has created confusion in Navelim. I had called Girish to discuss the issue and he has told me that no assurance of a ticket has been given to Avertano,” said Antonio.
He said Avertano is my close friend and he was not willing to contest the upcoming elections.
“I have already started my movement in Navelim and I am sure of contesting the elections. Going further, my manifesto is almost ready,” he informed.
There are speculations that the vacuum created by exit of Luizinho will be filled with the entry of Avertano but selection of a candidate will be a tough job for the Congress leaders in Goa.
It may be recalled that months ago several prominent residents of Navelim under the banner Navelim for Goa had proposed educationist and joint secretary of the Movement for Special Status for Goa Antonio Alvares as the candidate for Navelim constituency.
Alvares had told the media that he would not betray the people of Navelim, saying that politics has stooped to a low level in recent times. He promised to discharge the role of a legislator if elected.
