oct 23 margao ward 21 by-poll
the goan I network
MARGAO
The by-election for ward No 21, necessitated by the demise of councillor Ashlesha Naik while trying to save a youngster from drowning, however, assumes significance for Margao MLA Digambar Kamat and arch rival BJP ahead of the 2017 election as the two sworn enemies are expected to cross swords before they lock horns in the coming assembly poll.
In fact, BJP leader Rupesh Mahatme was categorical in stating that the BJP will not let party’s sworn enemy Digambar to have a free run in the ward, saying the party will treat the ensuing by-election as a semi-final before the two parties clash in the 2017 assembly election.
In the 2015 Margao municipal poll, Digambar’s Model Margao panel had won in three out of the four wards at stake in the Aquem area of the city. The Margao MLA, however, lost in one ward, where his close aide Damu Shirodkar had to bite the dust at the hands of former MMC Chairperson Arthur D’Silva.
While the Digambar camp has started its campaign for the by-poll having zeroed in on Deepa D Shirodkar, wife of ex-MMC councillor Damu Shirodkar, as its candidate, the BJP leaders are yet to arrive at a consensus on the choice of candidate for the ensuing poll.
Says Digambar Kamat: “Yes, we will all work for the success of Deepa Shirodkar. This ward has was nursed by Deepa’s husband during his tenure. After the sad demise of Ashlesha, we have now decided to support Damu’s wife in the by-poll. There’s still time for the campaign. The process of nominations have not started till date.”
That, however, has not stopped the husband-wife duo of Damu and Deepa from completing a round of campaigning in the ward, which was once represented by Damu, before the delimitation changed the jurisdiction of the ward and later reserved it for women. “We have completed the exercise of approaching the ward people before Deepa decided to throw her hat in the ring,” Damu said.
Handbills with photographs of Digambar Kamat and Deepa Shirodkar have been printed and more of these will be distributed in the ward.
BJP leaders Rupesh Mahatme, Sharmad Raiturcar and Bhai Naik said the party will field a suitable candidate in the by-poll for ward 21. In fact, Bhai suggested all parties and individuals should forge a consensus and get a member of the Ashlesha’s family elected unopposed to the civic body as a tribute to the late councillor. Rupesh said the party will work hard to win from the ward. “We will soon call a meeting of the party workers to chalk out a strategy and finalise a candidate,” Mahatme said.
