Congress-backed Moreno files his papers while Dionisio files as an Independent
the goan I network
MARGAO
The ruling Curtorim Congress camp owing allegiance to three-time Reginaldo Lourenco appears split over the candidate for the Curtorim Zilla Panchayat by-poll.
While the Congress party has fielded Moreno Rebello on the party banner, supported by the Party three MLAs, Reginaldo, Clafacio Dias (Cuncolim) and Filipe Neri Rodrigues (Velim), Dionisio Sardinha has filed his nomination papers as an Independent.
That the Reginaldo camp appears divided was evident by the fact that while the MLA's close aide and Curtorim Sarpanch Rupesh Naik has extended his support to Sardinha, panchas Simon Barretto, Rui Menezes and Milagres Rodrigues have all rallied behind Reginaldo-backed Moreno Rebello.
Monday saw both Moreno and Dionisio filing their nomination papers before Returning Officer Uday Prabhudesai. Amongst others, Moreno was accompanied to the office of the Returning Officer by Curtorim panchas, Simon Barretto, Rui Menezes and Milagres Rodrigues. On the other hand, Curtorim Sarpanch Rupesh Naik and a couple of panchayat members accompanied Dionisio Sardinha to the Returning Officer to file his nomination papers.
Moreno told The Goan after filing his nomination papers that he is contesting the by-poll for the Curtorim seat because of the support extended by the three MLAs, Reginaldo Lourenco, Filipe Neri Rodrigues and Clafacio Dias. "I have filed my nomination papers only after the three MLAs extended their support to my candidature," he said.
He said his candidature has the support of the sarpanchas of Macazana and Sao Jose de Areal, besides five panchas of the Curtorim panchayat, indirectly admitting that the Curtorim Sarpanch Rupesh Naik is not on his side.
On the other hand, Dionisio Sardinha said that Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco knows better than him whether he supports his candidature or not. "Reginaldo will be in a better position to answer this question. But, I would say that my candidature has the backing of the people," he said, asserting that he is contesting the by-poll as an Independent.
Sardinha, however, sought to down play the rift in the Congress and ruling camp in Curtorim, by saying that he is neither a Congress rebel nor belongs to the rebel group. "There are no two groups in Curtorim. This is not a rebel group, but I am contesting because I want to work and serve my people," he said.
Curtorim Sarpanch Rupesh Naik also told the media that Dionisio has thrown his hat in the ring as an Independent with the support of the people.
