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THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA: For BJP candidate Joshua D’Souza, it was a roadshow that gave him “confidence” and “positive” vibes.
With Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo in tow, D’Souza along with MMC Chairperson Ryan Braganza, councillors and 300-odd mahilas and youth walked a distance of around 500 metres in Morod-Mapusa, a ward represented by rival Congress candidate, Sudhir Kandolkar.
“Our roadshow has given us confidence. We have got a positive response in the ward. People have come out in big numbers and Mapusa has shown that this seat is for BJP,” D’Souza said emphatically.
The show of strength of holding a road show in Morod, which is home to Kandolkar, clearly indicated BJP’s well-thought strategy to score on the perception battle which, so far, was in Congress’ favour.
In a well-crafted plan, BJP began with its campaign in the ward at around 3.30 pm, with the party candidate along with the large group of supporters moving door-to-door meeting the voters.
The door-to-door campaign ended with the roadshow with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and the Calangute MLA joining the group at around 7 pm.
Referring to the huge crowd comprising mahilas and the youth, the CM said election of the BJP candidate in Mapusa was a done thing.
“Babush (former Mapusa MLA Francis D'Souza) has worked for the last 22 years in Mapusa. He was a party loyalist and people will definitely vote for his son. Just like Babush won with over 10,000 votes, Joshua will also win with a huge margin,” Sawant said to a query about victory margins.
The CM also said he has set his mind on the issues concerning Mapusa.
“This (works in Mapusa) will be my priority. The unemployment of youth will also be taken care of by the government,” he said.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said maximum works would be done in Mapusa in the next two years.
“The CM, who is also the finance minister, has given his word that whatever pending works are there will get completed,” Lobo said.
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INSET
BJP using every trick possible to woo voters: Kandolkar
MAPUSA: Asserting that the BJP was using every trick in the book to woo voters, Congress candidate Sudhir Kandolkar said the BJP would be in for a shock, as Mapxekars have already decided who they will vote for on April 23.
“They are using government machinery to defeat me by hook or crook. But this will have no effect on our swabhimani Mapxekars. People of Mapusa have already decided who to vote for and on April 23, Mapxecars will elect me with a huge margin,” Kandolkar said.
He further said the BJP was rattled by the wave in favour of him in Mapusa and was using all possible means to neutralize his influence.
“BJP is bringing all the other leaders in Mapusa to boost the sagging fortunes of their candidate,” he said.
Some politically savvy leaders were also not amused by the roadshow held by the BJP at Morod.
“Imagine the CM of the State, leaving aside his administrative duties and coming on the road to campaign. Fear psychosis and increased support for Kandolkar is making life miserable for bhakts and councillors who will be on the road, if Mapusa seat is not retained by the BJP,” said Dr Prithvi Amonkar.
