CANACONA
Accusing GPCC President Girish Chodankar of fielding a weak candidate to enable BJP win the Canacona constituency, former GPCC secretary turned Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Mahadev Dessai said he would defeat both Congress and BJP candidates in the constituency.
Addressing a news conference, Dessai said he suspected an internal understanding between the Congress and BJP, prompting the Congress to field a weak candidate in Canacona.
“I will not let it happen and will fight elections on the TMC symbol with a sole aim to defeat the BJP and win the Canacona seat,” said Dessai.
Dessai downplayed claims that his rebellion would only weaken and divide Congress votes, which would ensure a BJP victory.
“People will vote for the Congress depending on the candidate and the Congress candidate has no standing in Canacona.”
Dessai said he has the support of 45 of the 55 Congress block members and 40 booth committees, each consisting of 10-15 members.
“I already have begun building committees in the remaining 19 booths and have drawn supporters from all areas to strengthen my campaign as TMC candidate.
Rajendra Velip, Levi Gracias, Bhimrao (Dilip) Gaonkar and a few others also spoke at the news conference.
