MARGAO
After Curtorim, all eyes are now focused on the coastal constituency of Benaulim in Salcete taluka, after tiatr producer Tony D’Costa, popularly known as Coke, joined the Congress.
On Tuesday, Tony quit the Trinamool Congress amidst reports that the party may nominate him for the Benaulim ticket.
As many as five ticket contenders, including flamboyant Mickky Pacheco, women leaders Royla Fernandes and Gina Pereira, Trevor Fernandes and Edwin Barretto are also vying for the ticket. The induction of Tony has left them guessing.
While Kamat welcomed Tony by requesting him to work for the party along with his supporters, he was quick to tell the media that no one can guarantee a ticket to a particular contender.
Tony told the media that he has decided to quit the TMC since the party did not fulfill several promises made to him. When asked whether the Congress has assured him the ticket, Tony shot back saying, “I am with the Congress. Kamat, along with GPCC Chief Girish Chodankar, Joe and others has helped me to join the party along with my supporters. We will work hand in hand. I will support them and they will support me,” he said.
Incidentally, former minister and ticket contender Mickky Pacheco, Benaulim block president Menino Fernandes, who had publicly backed Mickky’s candidature a week ago, were seated on the dais when district president Joe Dias welcomed Tony.
Sources said Tony’s exit from the TMC was on the anvil since the time bete noire Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao had joined the Mamata-led party.
Though Tony was perhaps the first politician amongst the lot to embrace the TMC, he had kicked off his campaign for the Benaulim seat much earlier before the TMC made its presence felt in the state, covering a lot of ground in the villages of Colva, Seraulim, Benaulim and other areas.
