MARGAO
Will the Congress leadership cap its love-hate relationship with the Varca-based Alemao family by denying ticket to former Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao for the Cuncolim seat?
Amidst strong reports that the leadership may settle for GPCC President Luizinho Faleiro’s young face Clafacio Dias for Cuncolim, Joaquim has returned back from the national capital, still hopeful of the Congress ticket, but at the same time appeared set to face any eventuality in the event of not making it to the official list. In fact, Joaquim had been associated with the Congress since the late 90s when he had embraced the party even as the UGDP was sought to be merged with the Congress party. Elder brother, Churchill Alemao had parted ways a couple of months ago after the Congress leadership declined to open the party doors to him citing the Louis Berger bribery case.
Sources in the know pointed out that Joaquim had sought the High Command’s blessing to quit the Congress and contest as an independent in the event the leadership decides to deny him the party ticket. He is also believed to have submitted in writing his two-decade old association with the Congress party and his contribution to the organization over the years.
During his day-long stay in the national capital, Joaquim was believed to have had an interaction with the AICC general secretary in-charge of Goa desk, Digvijai Singh. It is learnt that Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik, who hails from Cuncolim, was also reportedly present when Joaquim met the AICC Goa desk observer. “The Congress ticket for the Cuncolim seat is not decided yet. I am very much hopeful that the Congress will nominate me for the Cuncolim seat,” Joaquim told The Goan from Mumbai while on his way back home on Thursday noon.
While Joaquim was holed up in the national capital on Wednesday, sons Braz and Yuri had a meeting with members of the the booth committees back home in Cuncolim, sending clear indications that the Alemaos are gearing up to face any eventuality. “I have completed more than 50 per cent of my constituency. I received a host of calls from my supporters and well wishers on Thursday after news spread that the Congress may not give the Cuncolim ticket. My supporters and workers have been my strength throughout. As I had said from day one, I will contest the coming election with or without the Congress ticket,” Joaquim asserted.
