the goan I network
MARGAO
The main contenders in the four-cornered electoral battle remain the same “ Congress’s five-time MLA Digambar Kamat and BJP’s Sharmad Raiturkar. Kamat and his young challenger are not new to the city’s politics as they had crossed swords against each other twice in the past, with Kamat emerging victorious in the 2005 by-election and the 2007 election.
The Digambar-Sharmad rivalry dates back to 2005 after Kamat decided to part ways with the BJP to embrace the Congress. In the 2005 by-election Kamat had a close shave when he quit the BJP to contest on the Congress banner. He, however, consolidated his position two years later in 2007 to hand over a convincing defeat to Sharmad to win the election with a comfortable margin.
Much water has flown down the River Sal during the last one decade and the young cinematographer is back to challenge Kamat yet again in his bastion “ this time on the plank of political change and development. Hitting the election campaign a little late compared to his senior Congress counterpart, Sharmad appears approaching the electorate with one point agenda, seeking the help of Madgavkars to bring about a political change in the commercial capital to usher in the much-needed development.
As he moves from one house to another in the lanes and by-lanes of the city, Sharmad unfailingly poses one question “ why Madgavkar’s hardships and troubles are far from over when Digambar Kamat has been representing the city for the last 22 years?
Kamat, however, remains unfazed. He goes about his campaign systematically with his dedicated band of workers. He needs no introduction as he goes about knocking the doors seeking their votes. Some of them recognize and welcome him as the next door “Baba” -- as he is popularly known amongst his close supporters. But, before hopping on to the next house, the five-time MLA unfailingly reminds the voter to vote for Hand symbol placed atop the ballot paper.
Kamat does not join issues with his old rival, but at the same time does not hesitate to take on the BJP head-on. He counters non-development in his inimitable style by making a reference to the imposing District Collectorate building and questions the inordinate delay by the BJP government to complete the district hospital.
Both Kamat and Sharmad were campaigning in each other’s territory during the weekend to woo the electorate. While the five-time MLA descended on Malbhat, considered a BJP stronghold over the years, his rival made his presence felt in neighbouring Aquem, where Kamat enjoys considerable influence among the voters.
Aam Aadmi Party nominee and former Margao Municipal Chairperson Santosh Raiturkar and MGP’s Jayesh Naik are the two remaining contenders in the fray.
