MARGAO
Newly-elected Davorlim Sarpanch Menino Colaco, who is now facing a no-confidence motion, said on Friday that he is confident the same seven members who supported him in the election will continue to stand by him, despite any possible pressure from the ruling side.
Speaking to the media, Colaco said the no-confidence motion was submitted just three hours after he was elected on Thursday. He said he does not have any issues with the government or with Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar.
“I have good relations with everyone. I am not sure why the no-confidence motion was moved immediately after my election,” he said.
Colaco further expressed confidence that the group which elected him will remain with him.
Asked whether the members acted under pressure from the BJP, Colaco replied, “This question should be asked to the seven members.”
He said he does not wish to blame anyone and believes the members who voted for him will continue to support him.
“Winning the election with a 7-4 margin is not small. I am an ordinary man from the ST community,” he added.
Navelim MLA denies claims of bias against ST community
MARGAO: Navelim BJP MLA Ulhas Tuenkar has dismissed claims that the BJP is trying to remove newly elected Davorlim Sarpanch Menino Colaco because he belongs to the Scheduled Tribes community.
Speaking to the media, Tuenkar said the BJP has always worked for the poor and weaker sections, including ST and SC communities. “In Davorlim, the BJP supported Vidhyadhar Verlekar, who belongs to the Scheduled Castes. That itself shows that the party is not against any community,” he said.
Tuenkar also pointed out that the BJP supported Floriano Danny Fernandes to become Sarpanch of the neighbouring Aquem-Baixo Panchayat. “The BJP does not discriminate based on caste or religion. As the MLA of Navelim, I work for the development of all people. Some are trying to spread a false narrative that the BJP is against the Scheduled Tribes. This is completely untrue,” he added.
