MARGAO: Amidst the power struggled in the corridors of the Margao Civic body, Saturday saw a fine blend of politics and football at the SAG sports complex, as the as the Margao Municipal team led by Councilor Tito Cardozo won the final, defeating the team captained by MMC Chairperson Arthur D’Silva in the All Goa 9-a-side football tournament organized by the Margao civic body.
Though the trophy was retained by the hosts, the team captained by the Municipal Chairperson Arthur emerged runners-up, with Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai saying the battle lines are now drawn for Arthur to play his political game in the civic body.
“The civic body has shown that they are good in playing football. I know Arthur is good in putting fine placings. He has the art of winning the battle. Last time round, I had opposed his election as Municipal Chairperson, but he won the election by wining the toss. How he will play the game is being keenly watched as the game has changed now, but I am confident that he will be able to play the game,” Vijai added.
The Fatorda MLA also took pot shot at the government for trying to stifle democracy at the grass root level. “Margao has showed the way by organising the soccer tourney. The Civic body should have oragnised a seminar on the powers of the Civic bodies or whether the CM will dictate the terms or whether the government would take away the Independence of the civic bodies”, Sardessai added.
Incidentally, ex-Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat who was the Chief guest, said the football sprit shown by the Margao City Fathers should also echo in Civic affairs so that they earn praised from the citizens.
Incidentally, Kamat is likely to hold a meting with his six-member group of councilors in a day or two to take a stand on the demand for ouster of the Municipal Chairperson Arthur from office. “We will discuss the leadership issue plaguing the Civic body in a day or two. But, I will leave the question of whom to support to the group of Councilors,” the Margao MLA added.
