MARGAO
The trio had checkmated the Congress in Salcete, winning the three crucial seats of Navelim, Benaulim and Velim “ once considered the bastions of the Congress party.While the Fisheries Minister and his Velim counterpart Benjamin had stormed the Congress fort by contesting as Independents, Caitu, contested on the Goa Vikas Party banner, scuttling Churchill Alemao s bid to return to Benaulim.Come 2017 Assembly election and the trio “ all partners of the ruling BJP-led government and considered blue eyed boys of the dispensation “ has almost finalized their plans to seek re-election as Independents and on the plank of development.Take the case of Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado. Having won the Navelim seat in a strategic alliance with the BJP, the sturdy built Minister has almost decided not to disturb the existing tie-up with the major party in the coalition government. “I have taken the decision to seek re-election from Navelim as an Independent after consulting my workers and supporter,” Avertano told The Goan . A Minister in the government, Avertano has dropped enough hints that he would seek re-election in alliance with the BJP.On the other hand, Avertano s Velim counterpart Benjamin D Silva said he would seek re-election as an Independent. “Congress president Luizinho Faleiro had told the media some time back that those enjoying honeymoon with the BJP will have no place in the Congress. This only goes to show that the Congress doors are not open for others. We have no option than to seek re-election as an Independent,” Benjamin said.Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva, who has disclosed plans to quit the Goa Vikas Party, said he has almost decided to seek re-election as an Independent. “One thing is clear that I will not contest the election on the GVP banner. Contesting as an Independent is an option I am weighing seriously,” Caitu said.Incidentally, Navelim, Velim and Benaulim were the three Salcete constituencies which received special attention from the BJP-led government during the last four years. And, all the three Legislators pointed out that they would contest the coming election on the plank of development. “Our opponents may play politics by accusing us for supporting the BJP government. But, I have been instrumental in bringing a lot of developmental projects in Velim with the support of the government,” Benjamin said.The Fisheries Minister echoed similar sentiments. “Projects such as underground cabling, sewerage project, highway widening, river Sal desilting et al could be taken up with the support of the government. Many more projects including a sports complex are in the anvil in Navelim,” Avertano said.Caitu also said he could bring in a host of projects in Benaulim which his predecessors could not do over the years. “A new water pipeline has been laid in the constituency, while work on the underground cabling and sewerage projects have started in right earnest. The long pending Colva road widening road is under construction,” Caitu said, adding that he would go to the people seeking mandate for the development work ushered in the constituency.
