the goan I network
MARGAO
Congress leaders and supporters swarmed outside the office of the Returning Officer, Salcete, on Wednesday as party candidates filed their nomination papers for the seats of Navelim, Velim, Guirdolim, Benaulim, Colva, Nuvem and Raia.
That the party candidates were accompanied by their supporters conveyed a signal loud and clear to the ruling and other parties that the party means business.
GPCC Chief Girish Chodankar and Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat also made a brief appearance near the district Congress office adjoining the District Collectorate to show their solidarity with the party rank and file ahead of the ensuing polls.
Candidates who filed their papers on the Congress symbol on Wednesday were Jose Santa Rita Coelho (Navelim), Julio Fernandes (Velim), Royla Fernandes (Benaulim), Suzie Fernandes (Colva), Assuciana Roman Rodrigues (Nuvem), Joseph Vaz (Raia) and Sonia Fernandes (Guirdolim).
Briefing the media after filing the nomination papers, Benaulim candidate Royla Fernadnes said though she was in the Aam Aadmi Party in the recent past, she has decided to join the Congress in the interest of the people. “We have got together in the interest of the citizens. We will fight and unitedly work for the powers to strengthen the grassroots in Benaulim,” Royla said and affirmed the battle against the western bypass would continue.
Colva candidate Suzie Fernandes said the people have reposed their faith in her, and exuded confidence of wining the seat. “People have chosen me and I am sure the people will get me elected,” she said.
Raia candidate Joseph Vaz said he would fight for the devolution of powers to the Zilla Panchayats as per the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. “I have rich experience in the working of panchayats and I would use it for the strengthening of the ZPs,” he added.
Nuvem Candidate Assuciana Rodrigues said she would usher in the development of her constituency and added she has the backing of the people of the villages of Nuvem, Verna and Nagoa.
Congress Navelim candidate Jose Santa Rita Coelho made no bones of the fact that NCP leader Churchill Alemao is his close friend, even as he profusely thanked Navelim MLA and wife Rachel for giving the nod to his candidature.
