At a public meeting, speakers backing Gomes questioned why the historic constituency continued to be represented by an MLA “from outside the constituency”—an apparent reference to Alemao’s roots in Varca.
The meeting was attended by environmental activist Dr Jorson Fernandes, retired Superintendent of Police Tony Fernandes, former councillor Udesh Desai, Yatin Talaulikar, Branny Fernandes and others.
Retired top cop Tony Fernandes said he had decided to back a candidate from Cuncolim. “Yuri Alemao is the Leader of the Opposition and can contest from any constituency in South Goa. If he can influence the change of the Goa Congress president a fortnight ago, he can also take such a decision,” he said.
Fernandes also alleged that vindictive politics had become the norm in Cuncolim, citing the case of Irineu Coutinho, whom he claimed was harassed by the Cuncolim Municipal Council through a notice issued on the basis of a complaint by a “fake person”.
Dr Jorson Fernandes said Cuncolim, with nearly 30,000 voters, should have one of its own representing it in the Legislative Assembly. Calling it a matter of shame that no local leader represented the constituency, he urged residents to unite behind a candidate from Cuncolim.
Accusing some individuals of spreading false narratives, Fernandes said he had consistently fought pollution and demanded accountability for environmental issues in the Cuncolim Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). “Only someone from among us should contest, and we must remain united behind that candidate,” he said.
Accepting the proposal, Gomes said the “Amcho Munis, Amcho Maan” platform sought to protect the interests of future generations. Referring to environmental concerns, he said that while people of Karapur were fighting to save their land, Cuncolim’s hills and green cover were also under threat.
Later, Gomes confirmed he had accepted the responsibility entrusted to him by the citizens of Cuncolim and would contest the 2027 Assembly elections. Responding to questions about having previously contested from Panaji, he said the State capital had historically elected leaders from different parts of Goa. “I have decided to respond to the call of the people of Cuncolim constituency and contest the Assembly election,” he said.
