They are the stalwarts who have won many elections in the past. But CCP 2011 may well be their
toughest challenge yet. Bindiya Chari finds out that the past is not necessarily a sign for the future
The veterans of Panjim have their task cut out. For the first time in many years, hardnosed corporators who have won their seats easily are facing a tough fight
The contest between deputy mayor Yatin Parekh and a former mayor Ashok Naik in ward XIV of the CCP is likely to be hard on Parekh who has won from here three times consecutively.
Parekh who is part of Babush panel is considered to be a front runner for the post of mayor whereas Naik heads the BJP panel.
The second ward where the fight is likely to turn fierce and interesting is ward VIII. A former mayor Tony Rodrigues was shifted from his comfort zone of ward XVIII to ward VIII, after Nagesh Karishetty opted out from the panel.
Rodrigues who is seeking election for the third time is set to face a tough fight from a novice and an independent candidate, Tukaram Chinawar. Chinawar is receiving support from unexpected quarters and his candidature is also supported by PINC.
Election in ward II is likely to be intriguing as there are six contestants in the fray however the real fight is likely to be between Cabral brothers. The sitting corporator , Nazareth is a Babush candidate whereas Nelson Cabral is backed by the BJP panel — Panaji First(PF).
Accused in market scam, the sitting corporator of Ward XVII Uday Madkaikar raised his ante against Babush, after he was belatedly dropped from the panel.
Madkaikar revolted against Babush and entered the fray as an independent after he was dropped.
Uday who is known to have pull among the migrant population settled in Bhatlem-Chincholem area may turn out to be a spoil sport for Babush’s man Prajot Vaigankar.
This part of the area being adjacent to Taleigao constituency , the BJP panel is eager to make a break through here. And if Babush loses this ward to BJP candidate Nilesh Khandeparkar as a result of spilt in votes, it will be a hard blow to Babush.
Adv Avinash Bhonsle, who is contesting from the NCP supported panel is also likely to find it difficult in getting re-elected for the third term. He is contesting from ward XX. Milind Shirodkar of the Babush panel who is seeking election for the second term, is expected to pose a tough challenge for Bhonsle who repeatedly raised his voice against corruption in CCP. The PF’s Suraj Kande seems have made an impression on the voters. And if there split in votes here it is likely to benefit Kande.
Ward XII is where two sitting councilors are contesting against each other — a close fight between enterprising Vaidehi Naik of PF and Prasad Amonkar of Babush panel is expected.
The contest in ward XXV located in Kundaikarnagar area as well as ward XXIV, Boca de Vaca area which is considered to be a stronghold of BJP, can turn out to be very interesting.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that Babush panel has made strong efforts to enter the BJP strong hold. There are four contestants in fray in ward XXIV, however , the contest likely to be between the outgoing corporator Diksha Mayenkar and Manda Shetye of Babush panel.
