BJP’s Ashok Fadte, Vishal Dessai, and Polita Carneiro, present chairperson’s wife Suzana Mascarenhas, present Councillor Punam Dessai, veteran politician Laxman Naik and Premdeep Dessai are facing a litmus test. International football player-turned-politician Ashok Fadte will face Gaurish Fadte and Kantu Dessai. He is confident of winning. Gaurish, being a cricket tournament organiser, has the support of the youth. Ashok is reportedly the BJP’s choice for vice chairperson.
Meanwhile, present councillor Polita Carneiro will have a tough battle in Maddicotto ward. She will go up against Alemao-backed Satish Madkaikar, LPG gas agent Amey Ghodekar, and Bhicu Dessai.
Chairperson Landry Mascarenhas’ wife, Suzanna Mascarenhas, is contesting from women-reserved Dandora ward with Alemao’s support. Her husband has maintained the Dandora seat for 10 years. Can he ensure victory for his wife victory is a big question. Suzanna will face Anny Almeida, Rosa D’Souza and Lavita Mascarenhas.
Bhiunsa ward is a key ward for the BJP as Mandal Chief Vishal Dessai is contesting from there. Present Councillor Premdeep Dessai will take on the BJP in this ward.
Senior politician and present councillor of Comba, Dr Laxman Naik will contest from Sanvorcotto, which is OBC-reserved. Naik has changed ward to allow Mario Morais to contest from Comba. While he has joined hands with Alemao, he has an uphill battle in Sanvorcotto as the voters term him as an outsider. He will square off with seaman John Dias, housewife Kiran Naik, Sanjyot Naik and taxi owner Satyavan Naik.
Culwada (Ward 12) will see a high-profile fight between Councillor Punam Naik and youth leader Videsh Dessai, Swapnesh Dessai and retired municipal employee Ramesh Dessai.
If the BJP wants to rule the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC), seven of its eight candidates must win, which looks like a difficult task. Can it capture the CMC, or will Alemao emerge victorious and make his re-entry in Cuncolim politics.
