MARGAO: Sao Jose de Areal’s new sarpanch Gabriel Oliveira has refuted media reports his election was a blow to Velim MLA Benjamin Silva.
He stated that he had always supported the MLA and that the move to take over the sarpanch’s chair was not a political fallout. He clarified that there was no conflict with Silva and that he was looking forward to the latter’s support to develop the village.
Speaking about the elections, Oliveira said that it was agreed among the panchas that Julio Monteiro to serve for a certain time period; since that period was over, Monteiro was voted out.
