TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
PONDA: Five candidates are in the fray for the by-election to ward 9 of Curti-Khandepar Panchayat, which has been vacant since the death of panch Kamlakant Parab in December 2012.
On Thursday, six candidates withdrew from the fray. The by-election to ward 9, which has 1,254 voters, will be held on June 16 and counting of votes will be on June 17.
Late Kamlakant Parab’s wife Sarita is also among the 5 aspiring candidates. Ponda MLA Lavoo Mamledar, who has extended his support to Sarita, was present when Sarita filed her nomination papers at the Ponda Mamlatdar’s office. Some of Curti-Khandepar panchas including Sarpanch Deepa Naik and Deputy Sarpanch Nagesh Naik and some PMC councillors were also present on the occasion.
“She was not ready, but we convinced her to contest the election. I have assured my support and we are confident that Sarita will win,” MLA Mamledar told media persons after Sarita filed her nomination papers.
Sarita Parab said, “I decided to contest the election due to public demand and will try to accomplish what my late husband had planned for our village.”
Incidentally, another Panch Sagun Naik of ward 1 from the same panchayat expired in April this year.
