“I have undertaken development works in my constituency worth over Rs one crore. I have done whatever possible within my powers and the people are witness to it,” D’Silva told Herald.

D’Silva is, however, expected to get backing from the supporters of Nelly Rodrigues, who came second in the 2012 Assembly elections from Cortalim constituency. “Some panchas from Cansaulim have also pledged their support to D’Silva,” a panch from Cansaulim told Herald on condition of anonymity.

For D’Silva, however, the major threat comes from three other candidates from Cortalim-Quelossim. While Anthony Miranda, Lupinho Xavier and Anthony Vaz hail from Cortalim-Quelossim could split her votes. BJP candidate Olancio Simoes hails from Cansaulim.

Simoes, who is the general secretary of Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott, has to his advantage the fishermen community who were the traditional supporters of late Matanhy Saldanha. Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho too has assured his support for Simoes. Another advantage for Simoes is the support from Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha. However, the former BJP leader Anthony Vaz could make a dent into the vote bank of Simoes since he (Vaz) has still has a clout with the BJP voters, particularly those from Cortalim.

Another candidate who could spring up a surprise is Lupinho Xavier, who has to his credit issues which he has taken up for his villagers particularly from Quelossim.

Interestingly, Xavier is the only candidate who has been vocal against the mini-India park project in the eco-sensitive zone in Quelossim. Xavier has also stood up against the massive slums and scrap yards which have come up on Quelossim Comunidade land and also protested against the government for denying the bifurcation of Quelossim for an independent panchayat.