MAPUSAFrom
browbeating the opposition to printing two sets of flyers, the BJP is trying all tricks in the book to woo the electorate in Mapusa.
Some candidates from the BJP panel have printed two sets of leaflets “ one with photos of the state BJP leaders and one without.
One set of leaflets has the photo of the candidate and his election symbol in addition to the snaps of the state BJP leaders including Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, BJP state president, North Goa MP and local MLA along with former CM late Manohar Parrikar and former deputy chief minister late Francis D’Souza.
The second set of leaflets has only the photo of the candidate and his election symbol.
“It’s obvious the candidates are scared to declare themselves as BJP candidates. The leaflets without the photos of State BJP leaders are shared with people from the minority community. It is a sheer example of political doublespeak,” said former chairperson, Michael Carrasco.
Several candidates from the opposition panel and independents have either been intimidated or their supporters have been threatened.
“Some of my supporters were questioned for moving around with me during my campaign in Ward 9. This is not done. In a democracy, everyone should have the freedom to campaign and move about with whom they want to,” said Sheetal Vernekar, candidate of Mhapshekarancho Ekvott.
Similarly, former chairperson and candidate of the opposition panel in Ward 20, Sudhir Kandolkar informed that his opponent was trying to woo voters in the ward by doing undue favour.
“There was an attempt to fix pavers on a road stretch in my ward. I complained to the Returning Officer and the flying squad about the illegal activity. The authorities took immediate action and stopped the work, and carried out a panchanama,” Kandolkar informed.
