TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO/ POINGUINIM: In a bid to pre-empt the Congress leadership from allotting the Canacona ticket to BJP MLA Vijay Pai Khot, supporters of former MLA Isidore Fernandes, including sarpanchas and panch members from Canacona called on Chief Minister Digambar Kamat here this morning and demanded the party ticket for Fernandes in the coming polls.
They impressed upon the Chief Minister that Isidore had worked for the party over the years and had ushered in the development of the constituency.
Pranali Prabhugaonkar said the delegation told the Chief Minister that the Congress can win the Canacona seat only if the ticket is given to Isidore. “Without Isidore, there is no hope for the Congress. His candidature is supported by most of the sarpanchas and panchas from the constituency”, she said, adding that Isidore’s supporters will chalk out the future course of action if the ticket is denied to him.
Cotigao Sarpanch Rajesh Gaonkar said the people have appealed to the Chief Minister to nominate Isidore for the Canacona seat. “Isidore has worked for the Congress and the development of the taluka. The ticket should go to Isidore”, he said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Gaondongrim Sarpanch Rajendra Velip. He told newsmen that they have conveyed a message to the Chief Minister not to ignore Isidore’s claim for the party ticket. “We have told the CM that only Isidore can win the seat”, he said.
The Chief Minister is believed to have told the delegation that the ticket is not yet finalised and that the Congress leadership would take note of their request while finalising the Canacona ticket.
Meanwhile, Sarpanchas and panchas of Loliem, Cotigao and Gaondongrem have rallied behind former minister Isidore Fernandes’ claim to the Congress ticket for the March assembly polls.
Addressing a press meet late Friday evening, Cotigao Sarpanch Rajesh Gaonkar said they would support Isidore Fernandes, irrespective of the party platform.
They claimed that Fernandes may not have been in power, but he has been regularly in contact with people and has addressed their grievances.
“On the other hand, the present MLAs are busy with their own personal works,” said Gaonkar.
Gaondongrem ex deputy sarpanch Narayan (Vithoba) Gaonkar also spoke in favour of Fernandes.
Incidentally, Fernandes was present in the precincts of the venue, but did not take a seat on the podium.
