Luizinho backs out of Fatorda race; says he’s handing baton to fresh face

MARGAO: In a significant political development TMC leader and MP Luizinho Faleiro on the last day of filing the nomination announced his withdrawal as a candidate for the Fatorda constituency. He will be replaced by young candidate Adv. Seoula Vaz. 

He announced his decision at the press conference held in the presence of AITC Goa in-charge Mahua Moitra, TMC leader Churchill Alemao and Adv. Seoula Vaz at Margao. Luizinho has said that he has taken this decision after consulting with the party chief Mamata Banerjee. 

“I am handing over the baton to a young leadership. This decision of mine is to bring new and fresh faces to Goa. We like to involve young faces in decision making for the state,” said Luizinho. 

It may be recalled that MP Luizinho had shown unwillingness to contest the elections in the Fatorda constituency soon after the party had announced his name. 

Announcing his withdrawal from the election race Luizinho said that TMC has chosen the young leader Adv. Seoula is the replacement for his candidature at Fatorda. 

“This decision to field Adv. Seoula in Fatorda is towards the empowerment of women and bringing new and young faces to the frontline. This is in line with the party’s vision for empowering the women”, he stated. 

He further said that the fight between Adv. Seoula and the other two mighty leaders are like a war between David and Goliath. 

 Luizinho also alleged that the present government was a Congress-led BJP government. 

MP Moitra said that TMC had made no mistake in fielding Adv. Seoula in Fatorda constituency. 

Reiterating that it was not a last-minute decision, TMC Goa in charge Mahua Moitra said, “We are here to give a great fight in Fatorda. If you miss this chance to vote for a fresh, credible candidate now don’t blame us later that you did not have a choice. We have taken this decision in favour of an educated young dynamic woman who is not connected to any political family.”

“We are here to fight to defeat the BJP. The young leader is not a last-minute option but an honest option. Adv. Seoula is the right option to the people of Fatorda in order to choose between two heavyweights of Fatorda,” she stated. 

She also feels that the next 15 days are enough to bring truth before the people of Fatorda constituency, and TMC has given the perfect choice to the people. 

While Adv. Seoula said that it is not surprising to her to be the candidate of TMC in Fatorda. 

“We are lacking behind young people in the Assembly in order to bring issues pertaining to the young generation. I want to work for the people and lift the party flag high. I am delighted to take on Vijai Sardesai “, she stated. 

She further said the BJP in Fatorda stands on two feet, and we want to eradicate both, that is Goa Forward Party and BJP. 

Appreciating the decision of withdrawing from the race and choosing Adv. Seoula Vaz as a candidate in Fatorda constituency, Churchill Alemao said that the Congress party has a habit of making dance which has deprived them to form the government on two occasions in Goa. 

He further Goenkars of the massive formalin scam and said, “We all know how Vijai Sardesai is a close aide of Maulana Ibrahim who is the key accused in the illegal business of selling formalin laced fish. People’s lives were jeopardized; countless Goans lost their loved ones because Vijai and Co. put profit above people’s welfare. This is your chance to teach them a lesson. Put an end to illegal activities by voting for Seoula Vas.”