Team Herald
Cuncolim: Sixteen thousand five hundred voters of Cuncolim will decide the fate of 54 candidates who are contesting in 12 wards. Six wards are kept reserved one for ST, one for OBC general and two wards kept reserved for OBC women and two for general female candidates. Some wards will see high profile ballot battle. Present Councillor Polita Carnero who seems like the Chairperson candidate of BJP is facing a tough fight in Maddicotto ward. Young businessman Amey Ghodekar, Satish Madkaikar, Denny Morais and Bhucu Dessai have put up a strong battle in this ward. The lone lady has to fight with four young men. Councillor Punam Naik Dessai who is also eyeing the hot seat, is contesting from Culwada Ward facing challenge from young leaders like Videsh Dessai, Sapnesh Dessai, and retired clerk and BJP candidate Ramesh Dessai.
In Bhiunsa Ward, BJP Mandal chief Vishal Dessai is facing a tough challenge from present councillor Premdeep Dessai. Dessai is, in fact, the BJP man who was denied ticket by BJP. Veteran politician Dr Laxman Naik has changed his ward from Comba. He is shifted to Sanvorcotto reserved ward. In this ward, BJP candidate Satyawan Naik, Kiran Naik, John Dias have put a strong claim which can make things difficult for Dr Naik. BJP’s local leader Ashok Fadte is facing a strong battle from young leader Gaurish Fadte and veteran politician Kantu Naik. Fadte has started his campaign long back. He had worked day and night to change Talwada ward from ST reserve to the general category. This ward is dominated by ST voters but all three candidates who are contesting are from Maratha Community.
Present Chairperson Landry Mascarenhas has fielded his wife Suzan from the Dandora ward who is also facing challenge from Rosy D’Souza, Anny Almeida and Lavita Mascarenhas. This election will also be the litmus test for Ashok Fadte, Vishal Dessai, Dr Laxman Naik and also for MLA Rajan Naik and former MLA Joaquim Alemao who had fielded candidates in all 12 wards. Meanwhile, Cuncolim Congress leaders alleged that Congress man and ZP member Clefacio Dias who is trying for Congress ticket in Cuncolim constituency is helping BJP candidates in Sanvorcotto and Gulleacotto ward. Dias has denied these allegations but his supporters are seen with BJP candidates in those two wards. BJP is facing rebellion candidates’ threat in many wards. Tarachand Dessai, Amey Ghidekar, Dhiraj Dessai, Premdeep Dessai and two more BJP rebellions had raised worries for BJP candidates in almost six wards.
