MAPUSA
Hitting out at political parties for indulging in “match-fixing” while distributing party tickets, deputy sarpanch of Anjuna, Patrick Savio Almeida said contesting as an Independent was more honourable than haggling for a ticket.
On Saturday, he announced his intention to contest from Siolim constituency as an Independent candidate in the 2017 assembly polls in the State.
“I have learnt that those who are in charge of distributing party tickets are indulging in match-fixing. They are bidding for time. Any party which is serious in contesting an election should declare its candidates at least three months in advance,” he said to a group of around 100 supporters at his Anjuna residence.
He said few close friends advised him to contest on Congress ticket but has given up hopes of contesting under any party banner.
“I have decided to contest as an Independent candidate and as yours…people’s candidate,” he said amidst loud applause.
He said in the last two decades, Siolim and more particularly Anjuna have been neglected with development having to pay the price for vindictive politics.
“I have been at the helm of Anjuna panchayat for the last two terms. We made efforts to bring about development in the village but we have not received any support from the government,” he said.
Without taking the name of the local MLA, he said the only thing the government did was to transfer nine secretaries of Anjuna panchayat in the last four and half years.
“The panchayat sent a number of resolutions on roads, drainages, maintenance of crematoriums, play grounds, etc, but the government slept on them,” he disclosed.
“It’s time to bring in a good government and take the administration in our hands so that the government and the panchayat can work hand in hand for the development of the village,” he said.
He called on the villagers to decide in bringing a change and elect a new and dynamic candidate in the ensuing election.
Some panchas and other supporters also spoke at the meeting backing the deputy sarpanch on his move to contest the polls.
Three panchas “ Sheetal Naik, Sharad Naik and Narayan Mayekar “ out of 11-member panchayat members were present at the meet.
