What’s cooking in Varca?
Everyone in Benaulim remembers the rivalry between former MLA Churchill Alemao who lost to Navelim MLA Avertano Furtado. While it is speculated that Alemao will contest from Benaulim and not Navelim, the rivalry between the two politicians is still evident. However, the two were recently spotted at a get-together at the residence of Varca Seafarer Selvino Gonsalves that became the talk of not just the two constituencies but the whole of Salcete. Besides the two stalwarts, also present were Velim MLA Benjamin Silva, Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai and advocate Aires Rodrigues among others. While many of the politicians have sparred against each other in the recent past, the coming together of a group left everyone wondering about the possible outcomes of such a meeting.
Congress’ Cuncolim conundrum
With the Elvis Gomes seemingly joining the mix, the political tension is at high in Cuncolim. With the Congress block committee receiving applications vying for the Cuncolim Congress ticket, the grapevine is all about who stands a chance to get the post. There are more than five aspirants eyeing for Cuncolim ticket. These include former Cuncolim Chairperson Devendra Dessai, former Cuncolim MLA Joaquim Alemao, ZP member Clafasio Dias, former contestant John Monteiro and senior Congressman Altino Gomes. Cuncolim Block Congress committee has received three names Devendra, Joaquim and Altino. At the same time the supporters of BJP MLA Rajan Naik are hopeful of a repeat of the last election where there was a split of votes as the candidates for the Congress ticket have spoken about how there will contest if they get the party ticket or not.
