Says will not be contesting ZP polls
CANACONA
Stating only Goa Forward Party can take Goa forward and bring prosperity to the State, former minister and ex-Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes is all set to join the Goa Forward Party on Wednesday.
The formal induction of Fernandes into the GFP will be held at Shristhal Panchayat hall on Wednesday morning, Fernandes confirmed to The Goan.
When first questioned about the reports doing rounds that Isidore is on the way to join the GFP, Fernandes initially replied saying, “yes, I am mostly going to join GFP, provided the alliance takes place.”
When asked the alliance of which party, Fernandes replied “Congress, Goa Forward and RGP.” He then swiftly changed his tone saying, “I am waiting for no Alliance, but I am joining Goa Forward at Shristhal panchayat hall on Wednesday at 10.30 am.”
Speaking further on his sudden move to align with Vijay Sardessai’s Goa Forward Party with whom Fernandes had a love-hate relationship during his last tenure as Canacona MLA, Fernandes informed that unlike Congress and BJP, with whom he was associated in the past, Goa Forward Party has no high command and can take decisions in Goa only.
Answering a pertinent question on whether the timing of his joining has anything to do to contest upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections, Fernandes remarked, “I am not Digamber Kamat who compromised his chief minister’s calibre and became a minister. I always climb up and not go downwards. I am not contesting ZP elections, but I will be rallying behind consensus ZP candidates given by the alliance of Goa Forward Party, Congress and RGP to defeat BJP’s candidates in Khola and Poinguinim ZP seats.”
When asked further if the move is to contest next assembly elections, Fernandes affirmed stating the move is indeed with an aim to contest next assembly elections and defeat Sports Minister and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar.
“Yes, with whichever party I contest from, I am 100% sure to defeat Tawadkar hands down in the next assembly elections. Despite occupying important positions in the government, Tawadkar could not achieve anything worthwhile for Canacona constituency or for the people of Canacona,” said Fernandes.
