MARGAO
Claiming that many newly-elected members of the panchayat bodies in Benaulim constituency comprises of his close supporters, former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao on Saturday demanded to know why the people have not elected many candidates to the panchayats, who were perceived as either aligned to the Aam Aadmi Party or the Revolutionary Goans.
While saying that he had accepted the mandate of the people of Benaulim in the 2022 Assembly polls, Churchill further said that panchayat polls held under the ballot system had dished out the clear mandate of the voters. “I do not want to rake up the issue of EVMs again. But, it is also a fact that most of the countries have not reverted back to the traditional ballot system of voting. The panchayat election results have only raised questions why certain candidates and parties, which polled thousands of votes in the Assembly polls have not found favour with the electorate,” he said.
Churchill has expressed satisfaction that though he did not field any panel in the panchayat polls, many supporters, including sarpanchas and panchas, who were with him at the Assembly polls, have got elected to their respective panchayat bodies.
When asked about his future in politics, Churchill told the media that people want him to contest in the Lok Sabha polls in 2024. “I have not decided anything for the moment. But, I have been receiving calls from the people that they want me back,” he said.
While seeking pardon from the people of Benaulim if they were hurt by his mistakes, if any, Churchill said he cannot forget the role played by the people of Benaulim in shaping his political career.
