PANAJI
The battle lines for the March 11 Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections have been drawn.
Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate’s panel will face a direct challenge from Ami Panjekar, a new citizens’ formation with Utpal Parrikar steering it. The announcement has set the stage for a high‘stakes contest in the capital.
Utpal, son of the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, addressed a press conference on Wednesday to announce the panel alongwith former mayor Surendra Furtado, ex‘councillor Menino D’Cruz, Vaidehi Naik and Dattaprasad Naik.
He said the panel was formed to free Panaji from Monserrate’s “one‘man rule” and to deliver better civic amenities.
“We have support from people of all ideologies. Our fight is to give Panaji residents the facilities they deserve,” he declared.
The panel's logo and banner was formally launched, with Parrikar stressing that Ami Panjekar enjoys backing from multiple political bases, including Congress supporters.
Menino D’Cruz, currently with Congress, has joined the panel, while Furtado, who has had differences with Utpal in the past, also extended support.
“We are united against Monserrate’s mismanagement,” Utpal said.
Strategically, the panel has decided to keep candidate names under wraps until the last date for filing nominations.
Utpal explained that early announcements could expose candidates to pressure or inducements.
“Names are finalised, but we will declare them at the right time,” he said.
On casinos, Parrikar promised decisions strictly in line with municipal law. He said revenue from casinos must be used properly and that the CCP has the authority to regulate or even shut them if required.
He also highlighted Panaji’s pressing problems “ parking shortages, pollution, and incomplete Smart City works “ pledging to address them through transparent governance.
Reflecting on his independent run in the 2022 assembly election, Utpal noted that despite limited time, he had secured significant support.
“People of Panaji trust me. This time, with Ami Panjekar, we will win the CCP elections,” he asserted.
With Monserrate confident of his own panel’s strength, the emergence of Ami Panjekar has injected fresh interest in the run up to the March 11 CCP election. Panaji’s civic polls are now seemingly set on the cliched Monserrate v/s Parrikar lines and will be a closely watched contest.
