VASCO
While the revised ward reservations at the upcoming municipal polls have changed political equations, outgoing councillors have begun looking towards other wards in Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) to seek re-election.
In one such move, outgoing councillor and former GSUDA vice-chairperson Leo Rodrigues, who represented Ward 9 in the Mormugao constituency, is set to contest in Ward 25 in Dabolim constituency.
Since Ward 25 has now been reserved for an OBC candidate, local councillor and former Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar is out of the race.
Sources said Gaonkar, who enjoys a good rapport with residents in Ward 25, will promote colleague Leo Rodrigues in the ward.
"Rodrigues is a known face and Gaonkar is the outgoing councillor of the ward. While Ward 25 was reserved for an OBC candidate, Gaonkar was planning to contest from Ward 24, but that again had been reserved for ST women, leaving him out of the race.”
“Goankar has now decided not to contest but he will promote other candidates in wards and Rodrigues seems to be contesting from Ward 25 with his help. There have been some meetings and both have even met some residents," said the source.
When contacted, Rodrigues confirmed his plans to contest from Ward 25.
"Yes, it is true I will contest from Ward 25 and I am being helped by my good friend and colleague, Kritesh Ganokar.”
“I already have had 4-5 corner meetings and have got tremendous support from the people. Many people attended the corner meetings. While many who support Gaonkar have welcomed the decision, I also have some friends in the ward who are happy that I will be contesting from the ward," said Rodrigues.
