MARGAO
In the run-up to the filing of nomination papers for the Velim Zilla Panchayat seat, the Congress was toying with the idea of supporting an Independent candidate for want of a formidable candidate in a constituency which was till recently a party stronghold.
It was only when Velim Sarpanch Savio D’Silva and his supporters called on Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat that the party decided to field Julio Fernandes against seasoned campaigner Anthony Rodrigues who was contesting as an Independent.
Julio on Monday was declared elected from Velim, defeating Anthony Rodrigues by a margin of 331 votes, a victory which has helped the Congress to reassert its presence in Velim, which is presently represented by Congress-turned-BJP MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues.
A novice in politics, Julio turned emotional as he thanked the Almighty and the people of Velim for giving him the mandate to represent them in the Zilla Panchayat.
“When I approached former MLA Benjamin Silva for his support, he questioned me whether I will be able to manage the constituency. I had no reply, but I had faith in the people of Velim that they will bring victory for the Congress,” Julio said, while claiming that Minister Filipe Neri also did not support his candidature.
While thanking Velim Sarpanch Savio D’Silva, Antonette Dias and others for backing him to the hilt, Julio said he would serve the people with honesty and integrity in the next five years.
Savio D’Silva claimed that District President Joe Dias and others were not in favour of fielding a candidate.
