VASCO
While elections to the posts of sarpanch and deputy sarpanch across all seven panchayats in Mormugao had been peaceful, rival panels sparred at the Velsao panchayat on Monday.
The issue began after one panch refuted claims that he had been elected under the Goencho Ekvott panel and claimed he had won due to the support of former Sancoale ZP and TMC State vice president Mariano Rodrigues.
The exit of the panch reduced the claimed figure of Goencho Ekvott from 5 to 4 in the 7-member panchayat before elections could take place for the hot seats.
An agitated GE leader, Olencio Simoes later hit out at Roquezinho D'Souza and Mariano Rodrigues, terming them as BJP agents.
Speaking to reporters, Simoes said TMC members had openly aligned with BJP to intervene in village-level politics.
"Some MLAs, some political parties and their members have tried till the last minute using strong-arm tactics to poach members of our panel. These parties were openly stating that they are against the BJP, but TMC and BJP agents tried their best to change our situation and we do not know what is their agenda.”
“These agents can join us if they need development because they have already been rejected by Velsao. The Goencho Ekvott panel will live up to the high expectations of the general public and work towards the betterment of the general public," said Simoes.
Simoes changed parties, never won elections, says opposition
VASCO:
TMC State vice president and former Sancoale ZP Mariano Rodrigues and social activist Roquezinho D'Souza hit out at Goencho Ekvott leader Olencio Simoes claiming that he did not belong to the village and had never won elections.
"Simoes was with the BJP, then switched to AAP and finally came to Congress. He has never won any election to date. I challenge him to get elected as panch before he can call anyone agents,” said Rodrigues.
“I am the grandson of this village and hence, I fielded my candidate for the love of this village but Simoes should think of Cansaulim where he stays or Nerul, where he belongs.”
“Simoes is the biggest agent and has to date, not implemented the LED fishing ban. We have united to save the village from underhand dealings because people know who are the real agents indulging in extortion or settlement of local issues,” said Rodrigues.
Social activist Roquezinho D'Souza, who managed to get two panch members elected, claimed that GE had tried to poach a candidate as theirs when he had won on a different banner.
"We do not have any political affiliation and Rodrigues has given his candidate to my panel for the love of this village. These members of the GE were based abroad and have got their names on the electoral roll after arriving in Goa recently. GE now has 4 panchas and their numbers would further be reduced in a matter of time," said D'Souza.
“Some people in the village who seem to be opposing the double-tracking project are actually waiting to sell their land and are only awaiting the right price and these things will come clear in three months,” said D’Souza.
