MARGAO
“More the candidates in the fray, it’s better for me. No one can stop anyone from contesting an election,” Caitu said, while reiterating that he would contest the coming election as an independent.
Caitu’s remarks comes against the backdrop of Benaulim Zilla Panchayat member, Maria Rebello severing ties with former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao and the Varca-based Pinto family seeking renewal of ties with the Congress party ahead of the 2017 Assembly poll. Incidentally, members of the Pinto family had thrown their weight behind Caitu in the 2012 Assembly election against Valanka Alemao in Benaulim. The Benaulim legislator conceded that the Pinto family had supported his candidature in the 2012 Assembly election, and offered no comments on the family’s decision to renew its ties with the Congress party.
“I have been elected by the people of Benaulim in the 2012 with a mandate to usher in the development of the constituency. During the last four years, I have initiated a number of projects, which were never taken up in Benaulim constituency though it was represented by ministers over the years,” Caitu said, making it clear that he would go to the people again on strength of the development works ushered by him in the constituency during his tenure.
The first-time Benaulim MLA pointed out that he was instrumental in kick-starting the underground power cabling project in the constituency, while adding that he has initiated work on the underground sewerage project in Colva village, and also taking up road widening work along the Margao-Colva route.
He refused to comment on the reported fallout between former PWD minister Churchill Alemao and Benaulim Zilla Panchayat member Maria Rebello and her announcement to throw her hat in the electoral ring in 2017. Apart from Churchill, Maria and Anthony Pinto, who have disclosed plans to contest the coming election, Goa Vikas Party supremo Mickky Pacheco has also vowed to field a candidate in Benaulim in the 2017 polls.
