Politicos making overtures in bid to woo 3-time MLA & Ind seeking his support in event of his reelection
MARGAO
After a grueling fortnight-long campaign, former three-time Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco took a break from the hustle and bustle of politics to head to Saxtti coastal belt with his family in tow.
Relaxing at the Go Green Spice & Eco Resort, Cavelossim owned by his close friend Dixon Vaz, who had lent his helping hand to Reginaldo’s just-concluded campaign for the Curtorim seat, Reginaldo was spotted enjoying a boat ride in the picturesque River Sal.
As he returns home, Reginaldo is back on the scanner of all and sundry – friends, workers, sympathisers, ruling and opposition party leaders et al. As the spectre of a hung Assembly looms large, the former three-time MLA has become the much-sought after politician. Reason. As his Independent status, in the event of his victory in the elections, may make or mar the prospects of the main parties in forming the next government, sources in the know say politicians of all hues have not stopped making overtures in a bid to woo the three-time MLA, seeking his support in the event of his reelection from Curtorim.
In fact, when the independents and small parties are all expected to gain prominence and importance in the event of a hung Assembly, Reginaldo too is keeping his cards close to his chest, only saying he would cross the bridge when it comes.
He fought the election as an Independent, but was clear in saying he would never join the BJP. On the other hand, Reginaldo had enjoyed the backing of people from all walks of life in his battle for Curtorim. It’s an open secret that at the Housing Board area of Curtorim constituency, his campaign was supported by known BJP workers and BJP-backed Margao municipal councillors.
The question uppermost in the minds of Curtorkars and Saxttikars is simple – how would Reginaldo go about in the event of a hung Assembly, whether he would go with the Congress-Goa Forward combine or extend support to the BJP as a post-poll partner.
Sources said the ex-MLA may not easily forget that the Congress had shut the party doors on him when he had offered to return back to the party-fold. Against this backdrop, sources say the Congress is expected to turn to Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai to get the much-needed support from Reginaldo if he retains Curtorim. For, many say that Sardesai may be the best bet to get Reginaldo on the alliance side not just because he shares a close rapport with the ex-MLA, but his close aides were believed to have backed the Independent in the just concluded polls.
“Both the Congress and BJP have gone to the town saying they will form the government on their own. I am an Independent and if elected I look forward to get my work done from whichever party that forms the next government,” he said.
He added: “In the past, I was tagged and targetted, but now I am an Independent. I am not interested much in position or power. I would be happy to deliver what has been promised to the people.”
Reginaldo, however, reminded that he had the backing of all sections of people and is duty bound to live up to their expectations.
