PANAJI
Even as some parties and politicians are claiming to have a hold over many panchayats in Tiswadi, the ground reality appears to be different as the independents are the ones holding the key in the formations of local bodies in the majority of the villages.
For instance, in the St Andre constituency, besides Azossim-Mandur and Agassaim panchayats where MLA Viresh Borkar and former MLA Francisco Silveira hold sway respectively, in the other five panchayats in the constituency it is the independents who are proving to be the kingmakers.
In Curca, one of the persons responsible for bringing together the panel informed that the ruling combine consists of independent candidates who won in their capacity. “No party or politician supported the candidates even as some politicians are claiming otherwise,” he added.
It's a similar story in Siridao-Palem, where two candidates supported by one politician, and two independents have got together in a bid to take control of the panchayat. One of the candidates who would form part of the panel informed that he has extended support only on one condition that there should be no banner of any political party or politician.
In Goa Velha too, a veteran politician informed that the panel to be formed would be of independents.
In Batim, there is a tussle between Borkar and Silveira as both have three candidates each in the seven-member panchayat. The lone independent candidate holds the key in the panel formation and is most likely to side with Silveira's camp.
In the Cumbarjua constituency, Se Old Goa will see several independent candidates uniting to form the ruling panel.
In neighbouring Carambolim, sources informed that a panel backed by MLA Rajesh Faldessai is on the verge of taking control of the panchayat with the support of an independent. But insiders informed that there are still attempts being made to get that independent to switch sides.
In St Estevam, the panel backed by the MLA is vying for control of the panchayat against an independent-backed panel. However, a source informed that the independents are having an upper hand and already cobbled up an alliance.
However, in Sao-Mathias, the panel has already extended support to BJP as the panch responsible for bringing together all panchas informed that the backing of the ruling government is important for village development.
In the St Cruz constituency, a clear picture has emerged in the Santa Cruz wherein Jeniffer Oliveira is tipped to be the sarpanch. Tome, the husband of Jeniffer, is the brain behind forming the ruling panel, and he informed that he has the support of Panaji MLA Babush Monserrate. “We are also in the process of forming a panel in Merces,” he added.
However, in Merces, the independents are also trying to put together their panel and it remains to be seen who wins the race.
However, in Chimbel, the panchas informed that they have formed a panel comprising independent candidates.
