MARGAO
Asserting that he had joined the BJP to usher in the development of Nuvem constituency, Congress-turned-BJP MLA Wilfred D’Sa demanded to know why Pratima Coutinho did not question him for joining the BJP when she was in the Congress.
Wilfred’s supporters, including the Sarpanchas of Majorda, Betalbatim, Loutolim, Nuvem and Verna rallied behind him as they were present in strength with him on Sunday. The Panchayat elected representatives maintained that the work ushered by the MLA will keep him in good stead in the 2022 election.
Saying that AAP workers have come with the cake with the 2022 election in mind, the MLA asserted that he had gone to the BJP to bring in development of his constituency, adding that Pratima should tell why she has suddenly embraced AAP.
“I had joined the BJP on a condition that the government takes up the development of my constituency. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant gave me a word and he has honoured his worked by taking up a host of projects in Nuvem”, he said.
Betalbatim Sarpanch Constancio Miranda said the whole of Nuvem constituency with the MLA, saying people from other constituencies have no right to come and create trouble here. “They are coming and provoking the people of Nuvem. We are all with the MLA and our MLA will win the 2022 election”, he said.
Verna Sarpanch Loraine Fernandes said the MLA has brought in development in the village after he took the decision to support the government. When the media pointed out that the MLA has betrayed the mandate by joining the BJP, the Sarpanch said the MLA has not betrayed the people, saying the political party does not matter so long as the MLA is with the people.
Loutolim Sarpanch Tony Vaz said Wilfred has initiated a number of projects in the village after consulting the people, while Majorda Sarpanch Sam Gonsalves said what the MLA has so far initiated works to the tune of Rs 10 crore, adding that works amounting to Rs 11 crore are in the pipeline.
Filipa Barretto said Pratima has no right to come to Nuvem, saying the MLA is with the people of Nuvem, working for the constituency’s development.
