Team Herald
In the historical Cuncolim Constituency which has been represented by the rulling BJP MLA Rajan Naik will have a tough fight of six strong candidates. Along with the seating MLA, a former MLA, one ZP member, one former chairperson, one former government officer and other two — total seven candidates are locking horns to gain victory in Cuncolim Constituency.
In 2012 elction, it was a miraculous victory for the BJP. Rajan Naik was the only BJP MLA who won in Salcete out of eight seats. In the last elections, Rajan Naik defeated the then seating MLA Joacquim Alemao by a margin of Just 1313 votes. It was John Montero who became the spoiling factor for Alemao. Division in anti-BJP votes had benefited Rajan Naik in last elections.
In last election out of 20740 votes, 13001 votes had gone against BJP inspite of that the party won Cuncolim seat.
Will history repeat this time round? That’s the BIG Q everybody is asking. There is possibility of division in anti-BJP votes. At the same time, there is possibility that BJP votes may be divided into two shares Shiv Sena candidate Devendra Dessai may prove harmful to BJP Candidate.
All BJP opponents are alleging that in last five years there was no development in Cuncolim Constituency. They are claiming BJP MLA as non-performing candidate. To counter this allegations BJP Candidate has come out with a progress card in which he claims that government has spent Rs 250 crore for various developmental work and for various Schemes.
Former MLA Joacquim Alemao is asking voters based on his previous performance. He is asking only one term to complete his dream to make Cuncolim an ideal constituency. But if statistics are to be considered, the term is not in his favour. Cuncolim has never elected a defeated candidate. Secondly, his two strong Supporters Devendra Dessai and Clefacio Dais has left him and they are also in election fight.
Congress has delayed in announcing their candidate. Former chairperson of South Goa Zilla Panchayat and present ZP Clefacio Dias who is contesting as an Independent Candidate is also facing a tough time. Many Congress leaders and workers have left Congress in protest of the candidate selection. With all this odd, Dias has to put his force behind.
Former Government officer Elvis Gomes left his top post in government administration and joined politics. He has been declared as Chief ministerial candidate of Aam Admi Party. It’s a Herculean task for Gomes, though he has remained in the lead as far as campaigning is concerned. Will Elvis win in Cuncolim? Will Elvis “lead” his party from the front?
Devendra Dessai’s move to join Shiv Sena a party which is yet to create ripples in Cuncolim was surprising. This young and enthusiastic leader has put his heart and soul in campaigning.
John Montero who polled a sizeable number of votes in the last Assembly Election is contesting from the GVP Symbol. John like Joaquim and Devendra also left the Congress to join the poll fray.
what’s hot
One issue which can be heat’s up is the Outsider against Son of the Soil. In last elections, this issue went against Joacquim Alemao. Inspite of winning two elections, this issue remained in the forefront.
Pollution at Cuncolim Industrial Estate, long-pending railway overbridge or underbridge project at Chandor, influx problem, illegal rented houses, haphazard and unplanned development, improvement of School infrastructure are some of the main issues that will play a major role in this election.
CRUNCH AREAS:
Ambelim, Balli, Paroda, Macazana, Chandor and Girdolim Panchayat
