the goan I network
MARGAO
Nuvem MLA Mickky Pacheco sprang an unexpected surprise on his birthday on Monday when he dropped all plans on his homecoming to the United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP), with wife Viola embracing the Goa Su-Raj Party to head the regional outfit as president.
Mickky made it clear that he would contest the ensuing Assembly election on the Goa Su-Raj Party (GSRP) from Nuvem, even as Viola firmly denied that she has any plans to throw her hat in the ring from Benaulim constituency.
The sudden political turn of events comes against the backdrop of the UDGP leadership cold shouldering Mickky’s plan to return to the party after a decade.
In fact, when the media sought to know why he has embraced the GSRP when he had just a month-and-half ago disclosed plans to return to the UGDP fold, Mickky said he did not want to join the UGDP and commit a political suicide. “Yes, I had announced my plans to join the UGDP, but I was shocked the way the party is being run by the leadership. I am against national parties, but the UGDP leadership was hobnobbing with the national parties. UGDP President Dr Jorson Fernandes is today supporting the Aam Aadmi Party candidate in Cuncolim, while Radharao Gracias has thrown his lot behind NCP candidate Vincent Rodrigues in Nuvem,” he said.
When Mickky was asked on GSRP’s plan in the coming election, newly appointed general secretary Inacio Vas pointed out the regional party will contest around 30 seats, while keeping open doors for an alliance with like-minded political parties, excluding the BJP. “We will come to the media on the question of alliance with other parties,” he said.
Viola said her agenda will be to get husband Mickky into the party and strengthen the regional party ahead of the coming election. She firmly ruled out contesting the election from Benaulim.
Earlier, GSRP President Mathias Xavier Vaz inducted Viola into the party and handed over to her the party symbol - two candles, while the face of Goa Su-Raj Party and party general secretary Floriano Lobo also made way for Inacio Vas to take over the reigns as party general secretary.
Floriano said he had run the party for last 16 years, adding it was time to hand over the baton to the younger lot. “I and Mathias have decided to step down from our posts and make way for the younger lot. We will act as guide and mentor to the new set of leaders,” Floriano said.
Both Floriano and Mathias hoped that Mickky will go all out to promote Konkani and Tiatr and work towards the development of the youth.
