PANJIM: For the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate from Santa Cruz Constituency the campaign is carrying on very briskly.
Victor Benjamin Gonsalves has been a legislator from this very constituency in 1989 on a Congress ticket, a party which he joined in 1982 and now he is trying is luck again after three decades, but now as a TMC candidate.
In fact, after his unfortunate accident he had to lie low after 1996 but he kept doing social service and nursing his constituency. However, he is back in full swing now.
When asked that his candidature was announced very late, Victor Gonsalves retorted, “Yes, had I got 10-15 days more, I would have covered each and every house in our constituency by now. I got the ticket on the last day before the filing of nomination. However, in my door-to-door campaign, I covered 40 per cent of my constituency till now. Since the TMC is a new party here in Goa more time to campaign would have been better for me. In fact, the party does not have a base in my constituency but despite that I am confident that we will win this seat.”
He believes that his clean image and dedication towards his people will help him sail through.
“I begin my campaign at 8 am every morning which continues till late evening. Since we have to maintain the COVID protocol, I walk from door-to-door with around five of my supporters seeking blessing from the people of my constituency. Door-to-door campaigning is my priority,” said Victor.
When asked what he talks to the people whom he meets he said, “I tell them that I am contesting after a long time even though they know me well enough as I am engaged in many social activities and local functions when they invite me. In fact, I have always tried to help them whenever they need any assistance from me. Their response is very good and they are happy to see me as a candidate.”
Ana Gracias, a resident from Chimbel believes that Victor Gonsalves is the best candidate for Chimbel.
“He is always there for Chimbel people if any agitation or any issue which concerns Chimbel. He was there for road and signal issue and also most importantly was there for the heritage site,” said Ana.
Similarly, musician John Socorro Araujo, who is known popularly in music industry as “Johnny B Gud” from Santa Cruz believes that the ‘X’ factor has to come from somewhere as all parties including BJP, Congress, AAP and TMC are contesting for this seat.
“Because of defection, the BJP candidate is facing the wrath and he is not even going to many areas for campaigning. Victor was and is always on the ground and was not ‘election seasonal’. People respect him. He is honest, which according to me goes against politics. Had he done some corruption he would have continued to be an MLA from Santa Cruz. He has financial problems but people love him for his simplicity,” said Araujo.
