Independent it is
Avertano has no problem if the Navelim BJP Mandal fields its candidate
Says he has already begun his campaigning as an independent candidate and informed his voters accordingly.
Says he will not join the BJP or contest elections under its banner though he would welcome its support to his candidature
Also condemns the Income Tax notice issued to the Goa Church
..........
navelim constituency
BJP free to field candidate
but I'll contest as Independent
Says his door-to-door campaign has already taken off
THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Navelim MLA and Fisheries Minister, Avertano Furtado on Monday said he has no problem if the Navelim BJP Mandal feels that the ruling party can win the Navelim seat by going alone in the 2017 Assembly election.
Avertano, however, made it clear that irrespective of whether the BJP supports his candidature or not, he would contest the coming election as an Independent candidate.
He also condemned the Income Tax notice issued to the Goa Church, demanding to know why the Income Tax department has only singled out the Church, while leaving other religious bodies free.
“If the BJP leadership thinks that the party can win the Navelim seat by fielding a candidate, let them go ahead. I have nothing to say if certain BJP leaders are of the opinion that the party can win the Navelim seat without aligning with any candidate," Avertano said.
While saying that he would welcome BJP's support to his candidature if the ruling party decides to back him in the 2017 election, Avertano reminded that he has already kicked off his election campaign and has conveyed his message to the electorate that he is seeking re-election as an Independent. “Under no circumstances, will I join the BJP or contest the coming election on the BJP banner. During my door-to-door visits, I have already told my people that I am contesting again as an Independent," he said.
The minister was reacting to the media briefing by BJP Navelim block leaders when they staked claim for the Navelim seat in the coming election. In fact, BJP Navelim Block Mandal president Damu Naik and Party ZP member Ulhas Tuemkar had told the media that the block has asked the leadership that the party should contest the 2017 election from Navelim. In the last election, the BJP cadre had rallied behind Avertano Furtado who had thrown his hat in the ring as an Independent against Congress candidate and former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao.
Replying to a question, Avertano has said he had enquired in the past with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar whether the BJP has any plans to go alone in Navelim. He said the BJP is yet to take a final call on the Navelim seat.
