BATTLEGROUND VELIM
MARGAO
Fisheries Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues’ Sirlim residence on Tuesday bustled with activity as he played host to a stream of visitors from Velim constituency, as his workers and well-wishers came to extend wishes on the occasion of his birthday.
Ahead of the 2022 electoral battle, many a supporter might have expected the four-time MLA to unveil his political plans, how he would go about the ensuing assembly election. Filipe Neri, however, preferred to keep his cards close to his chest, not giving the slightest indication whether he would contest the election on a party banner or as an independent candidate.
One thing, however, has become crystal clear that Filipe Neri will be in the fray for the Velim election fray in 2022 in a bid to play yet another innings from a constituency that had elected him to the Goa Legislative Assembly on four occasions, thrice on the Congress banner and as an Independent MLA in 2002.
During his brief chat with the media, the Minister harped on love and his slogan “let love live” as he thanked his constituents for their blessings and goodwill throughout his political journey. “When we are in politics, we celebrate birthdays as part of our political journey. I have received tremendous love and affection from my people over the years. That has inspired me to take the work forward. People’s blessing has given me the strength and inspiration to work with dedication,” he said.
He added: “A birthday is an occasion when we can exchange our love. And, I believe that this love will remain irrespective whether we are in politics or not. It is this love that motivates and inspires us to work in tandem with the people and with their suggestions.”
With the House in Session, Filipe Neri rushed to the Goa Legislative Assembly, but the presence of his supporters and well-wishers at his residence has given enough indications that the four-time MLA will be in the fray in the coming polls. Local political observers say that Filipe Neri cannot be written off politically in a constituency when he made his debut in 1999.
Around two decades ago, he had thrown his hat in the election ring as an Independent and retained the seat, months after he had quit the BJP. Much water, however, has flown down the river Sal in the last 20 years, when Filipe Neri had tasted his first defeat in 2012 at the hands of Independent candidate Benjamin D’Silva, who had stormed his bastion riding on a strong anti-Congress wave.
Sources pointed out Filipe Neri is weighing various options, including contesting the coming polls on the banner of a political party.
