PANJIM: Despite facing a major hurdle in the form of ward reservations, wherein ten of the 16 wards represented by his panel were reserved, St Cruz MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate, has managed to quell any rebellion over selection of candidates in all 30 wards.

Retaining eight councilors, including allies Surendra Furtado and his wife Ruth, Monserrate has ensured that he doesn’t upset sitting councilors – who have been denied tickets due to reservation – by offering them to their family members.

Moreover, money power has worked for Monserrate, who on the last date of withdrawal convinced four candidates- three backed by Congress panel to back out from the fray. All four are now supporting Monserrate panel from the respective wards.

Monserrate has given tickets to the wives of Yatin Parekh (Ward No 14) and Nagesh Karishetty (Ward No 8) and sister of former deputy Mayor Kabir Makhija (Ward No 11) after all three wards were reserved for women.

Of the 16 wards represented by his panel from 2011 till date, Monserrate has retained his trust in 11 candidates.

Of the 10 reserved seats, Monserrate has eight seats reserved for women including three for OBC women and one for ST. With 18 new faces the panel is set for a triangular fight.

Monserrate loyalist and long-time supporter Uday Madkaikar, who is allegedly accused of being involved in the municipal market scam, has made his re-entry into the panel, contesting from ward No 18.

To some extent the Taleigao stalwart faced a kind of indirect rebellion, when two of his councilors – Rudresh Chodankar and Carolina Po – backed off and extended support to the Congress panel. Meanwhile former ally Tony Rodrigues has backed off and is not supporting any other panel.