the goan I network
MARGAO
Anthony was given a warm welcome into the Congress fold by Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Luizinho Faleiro in the presence of Goa Congress Minority Cell Chairman Urfan Mulla. Sources in the know said the long-time Varca sarpanch, who enjoys close ties with Faleiro, and is backed by All India Congress Committee Secretary Girish Chodankar, is expected to stake claim for the Congress ticket and may emerge as a contender. What’s significant to note is that the Pintos and the Alemaos have been traditional enemies in Benaulim politics and had crossed swords against each other in the past. His decision to renew his membership with the Congress comes at a time when Churchill has expressed his willingness to contest the Benaulim seat on the Congress banner. Though Churchill is presently out of the Congress, he has on more than one occasion categorically said he would not mind contesting the election on the Congress banner if given the ticket.
Anthony’s decision to renew his membership implies that he will fight it out along side Benaulim Block Congress president Edwin Barretto and former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao for the Congress ticket.
The Goan understands that the GPCC president has signed Anthony’s membership renewal form after block President Edwin Barretto declined to sign the form after it was brought to him for his signature by Anthony’s brother Nazario. “Anthony did not come to me for any signature, but was approached by Nazario. I know Nazario had worked for the BJP in the Lok Sabha election and as a Block president, I cannot sign something brought to me by him,” Edwin defended his decision.
Cold shouldered by the Benaulim Block Congress president, it is learnt that the Pintos directly approached the GPCC president, who is believed to have signed the membership form, paving the way for Anthony’s renewal.
Anthony’s membership renewal also assumes significance and comes against the backdrop of the block Committee meeting called by Block president Edwin Barretto to recommend names of the party candidates for the Benaulim seat later this week.
Sources in the Congress say the former Varca Sarpanch may be accommodated in the South Goa District Committee in a prominent post.
