the goan I network
MARGAO
That the two families may be embroiled into a no holds barred battle became clear when Faleiro, without taking any names, lamented over the neglect of Navelim after his exit from the constituency a decade ago in 2007. Fisheries Minister and Independent MLA Avertano Furtado, however, has hit back.
Taking offense to Faleiro’s statement, Avertano asserted that even a blind eye can see the extent of development ushered in Navelim during the last five years.
He went on to add that Navelim has witnessed so much development that even leaders, who rose to become Chief Ministers and PWD Ministers, prior to his election in 2012, could not achieve during their tenure.
With Faleiro finally giving his nod to contest from Navelim after a gap of 10 years, Avertano appears gearing up for the ensuing battle. A day after Faleiro told his workers to lead his campaign in Navelim if they want him to contest the election, Avertano has decided to release his election manifesto on Monday, apparently sending a message loud and clear to the rival camp that he too is equally geared for the battle.
“What can I say if Faleiro has decided to contest the coming election against me. I can only wish him all the best in his endeavor,” Avertano added.
These two families had never crossed swords against each other in their relationship spanning over three decades. In fact, while the Furtado’s had backed Faleiro in almost every Assembly election over the years, since the 80’s, they were content in playing a role in politics at the panchayat level.
In fact, Avertano’s elder brother Schubert had been a prominent face at the Navelim panchayat and rose to become the village Sarpanch during his long innings at the village panchayat.
When opposition was building against former PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao in the run up to the 2012 election, Avertano became the natural choice of Faleiro’s supporters, who were all bracing up to teach Churchill a lesson and avenge Faleiro’s defeat in the 2007 election.
Now, with Faleiro deciding to throw his hat in the electoral ring, many in Navelim political circles say it remains to be seen how many amongst Faleiro’s close supporters, who were solidly behind Avertano, will return back to the opposition camp.
