MARGAO
“Digambar Kamat jai ho” slogans rent the air in Margao on Monday as BJP’s hopes to checkmate the Margao MLA in the by-poll for ward 21 of the Margao Municipal Council, in what was billed as a semi-final clash between arch rivals, crashed after the candidate backed by him romped home with a comfortable margin.
BJP’s determined bid to storm Kamat’s Aquem fort in Margao constituency ahead of the 2017 Assembly election, with the faction-ridden party putting up an united face during the campaign, came a cropper as the result showed that Kamat and his candidate Deepa Shirodkar had a free run in all the three polling booths.
In fact, while late Ashlesha Naik backed by Kamat had won the seat in the 2015 Municipal poll by around 90 votes, Deepa’s victory margin almost doubled in the by-poll, indicating that Kamat has retained his hold over the ward, which has stood by him since the last 15 years.
While Kamat-backed Deepa Shirodkar polled 868 votes, BJP-backed candidate Succorina Fernandes had to be content with 630 votes, giving Deepa a lead of 238 votes. The candidate fielded by Savio Coutinho-led Shadow Council of Margao, Sonali Kale finished a poor third with 76 votes.
No sooner Retuning Officer Ajit Panchwadkar declared Deepa Shirodkar the winner, Kamat’s supporters went into jubilation mode, celebrating the victory in style, as it comes against a spirited challenge by the BJP.
Unlike the BJP leaders who were conspicuous by their absence, a beaming Kamat made his presence felt at the counting centre to wish Deepa and his supporters. The victorious team then descended at the Pimpalkatta to pay obeisance to the city’s presiding deity, Lord Damubab.
While Deepa thanked the voters for supporting her candidature, promising to make ward 21 the most beautiful ward in the city, the losing BJP-backed candidate, Succorina Fernandes, attributed her defeat to paucity of time.
Meanwhile, the Shadow Council for Margao while congratulating Deepa for her success stated that they humbly accept the verdict of the people, with Savio Coutinho saying the group will continue to serve the people of Margao in the best possible way.
