One of twenty women candidates to take up post of chairperson in Cuncolim

Team Herald

CUNCOLIM: Twenty women are in the fray for the Cuncolim municipal elections, and at the end of it, one will take over the post of chairperson. 10,000 voters will decide the fate of these candidates, who contest the election in nine wards out of the municipality’s 12. Four wards are reserved for women, while in the other five wards, the women candidates will square off with each other and their male counterparts.

In Panzorconi (Ward 1), which is reserved for the ST community, Manisha Gaunkar will fight six male candidates. She is well-known in this area as she was very active during the tenure of former MLA Joaquim Alemao.

Jamira Pires will also take on six male candidates in Veroda (Ward 2), and she presently enjoys Alemao’s support.

Newly-formed Goulleacotto (Ward 4), which is reserved for women, will see Succorina Coutinho, who also enjoys Alemao’s support, go up against BJP-backed Lavita Fernandes, BJP rebel Sangita Tate and independent Bharti Patekar.

In Sanvorcotto (Ward 5), which is reserved for OBCs, Kiran Naik will take on John Dias, present Councillor Laxman Naik, Satyavan Naik and Sanjyot Naik. In Maddicotto (Ward 7), BJP’s Polita Carneiro will face Satish Madkaikar, Danny Morais, BJP rebel Amey Ghodekar and Bhicu Dessai. In women-reserved Demani (Ward 8), BJP’s Pramodini Chari will take on Alemao-backed Angela Painginkar and Deepali Naik.

In Dandora (Ward 10), present Chairperson Landry Mascarenhas’ wife Suzan Mascarenhas will face three other women: Rozy D’Souza, Lavita Mascarenhas and Anny Almeida. In women-reserved Vhoddi (Ward 11), Penzy Coutinho will take on Sara D’Costa, Jayshitya D’Costa and Wendy Fernandes. In Culwada (Ward 12) present councillor Punam Naik Dessai will take on Videsha Dessai, Swapnesh Dessai and Ramesh Dessai.