the goan I network
PONDA
Though political stubbornness has kept BJP and MGP away from joining hands for the Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) polls, their separation could well benefit the Congress-backed candidates.
Going by the previous assembly polls, Congress has a vote bank of about 4,800 votes in the municipal area, followed by BJP (3436), MGP (1866) and independents (1974), making it clear that both the BJP and MGP cannot take control of the PMC on their own and will need external support.
The BJP and MGP are painfully aware of the adverse consequences of working independently.
During last assembly elections, MGP and BJP had suffered defeats in Priol, Shiroda and Ponda constituencies in Ponda taluka after severing ties with each other. The Congress grabbed this opportunity and won the seats in Shiroda and Ponda constituencies, while an independent candidate won in Priol constituency.
Political analysts are of the opinion that both BJP and MGP would suffer at the PMC polls if they do not form an alliance and back common candidates.
So far, the Ponda BJP block has neither declared candidates backed by the party for the PMC elections nor has welcomed supporters in its fold. On the other hand, the MGP has already dropped hints about their candidates by welcoming them into the party.
Following the delimitation process, PMC now comprises 15 wards, as opposed to 14 wards in the past, and accounts for about 16,000 votes. While a major chunk of these voters support the Congress, the MGP and BJP could upset the congress applecart if they were to combine forces.
“MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar has made it clear that they would not have an alliance with the BJP. It is now a prestige issue for both local MGP and BJP leaders to prove that they can be victorious without external help,” said a source.
When contacted, BJP Ponda Block President Vishwanath Dalvi said he has no issue with an alliance with MGP, if the party decides in favour of it.
“If our party decides in favour of an alliance, I will welcome it,” Dalvi said.
He, however, hastened to add that even though they were to go alone in the PMC polls, candidates backed by them would get elected.
“I know our voting percentage was less during last assembly election, but our base has strengthened in the last one year and thus, we have no problem,” Dalvi said.
Ponda MGP Block President Anil Naik also admitted that their percentage of votes was less in the assembly polls, but insisted that PMC elections were not based on party lines.
“Our candidates do have their supporters who will help us win,” Naik said.
However, sources informed that both parties are eagerly awaiting the high court order on a plea challenging reservation of wards. The hearing is scheduled on April 4.
Rajesh Verenkar, independent candidate for the last assembly election, may also field candidates backed by him for the PMC polls.
He has also built his own significant vote bank, which could also play a deciding factor in PMC politics.
