INDIA makes last-minute bid to woo migrants in Kamat’s strongholds

MARGAO
As curtains came down on the hectic fortnight-long campaigning for the May 7 Lok Sabha poll for the South Goa seat, the INDIA bloc made a determined bid to storm Congress-turned-BJP Digambar Kamat’s stronghold around the migrant-inhabited areas of Margao on Sunday.

Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai along with Congress Margao in-charge, Savio Coutinho, Sheikh Ifti descended on the Fakir Bandh rechristened as Maria Bandh on Sunday noon.  Before descending on the bandh, Sardesai and his team visited Colmorod ward to partake in the feast at a local chapel.

After the team went about visiting door-to-door at the Maria bandh, it was clear that the last minute campaign by the INDIA bloc was an attempt to stop Kamat’s free run in Margao.

Sources said the move is seen as an attempt to tap the anti-Kamat’s sentiments running in the city post-defection from the Congress to the BJP and to instill confidence amongst the voters that the Congress will not abandon them in the scheme of things.

In fact, during his door-to-door visits, Sardesai sought to reassure the voters that they need not fear about any backlash from Kamat if they switch sides, promising to rally behind them for all official work, including signing documents for government schemes.

“I have come to tell the people of Margao that they need not fear the dadagiri of Digambar Kamat. We will stand by the people of Margao at all times,” Sardesai told the media after visiting Maria bandh.

He exuded confidence that the strong undercurrents prevailing in the city against the Congress-turned-Margao MLA will keep the INDIA bloc candidate Captain Viriato Fernandes in good stead. 

He added: “Digambar Kamat should wait for a big surprise in Margao when the EVMs are opened for counting on June 4. A major surprise awaits the seven-time Margao MLA.”