CURCHOREM
In Quepem taluka, 250 candidates are contesting from 81 wards of 11 panchayats. During scrutiny of nominations, four candidates Shweta Chari from Ward 1 of Ambaulim, Umesh Velip from Ward 2 of Caurem-Pirla, Dipak Naik from Ward 1 of Molcarnem and Climca Fernandes from Ward 7 of Naqueri-Betul were elected unopposed.
According to the Quepem Mamlatdar office, the number of candidates contesting for panchayat election are Morpirla (22), Xeldem (39), Barcem (20), Ambaulim (16), Avedem-Cottombi (21), Naqueri-Betul (17), Fatorpa-Quitol (19), Caurem-Pirla (21), Balli-Adnem (35), Molcornem (17) and Assolda (23).
When contacted, BJP Goa State vice-president Prakash Velip said he is confident that most of the candidates backed by BJP will win and people prefer candidates who support the ruling party to undertake development.
“The Quepem BJP Block has not floated any panel, as the panchayat elections are not held under party banner. Many people support a specific party contest, making it difficult to support one person,” said Velip.
Kavlekar said all the candidates supported by Congress will come to power in all the 11 panchayats though he said that he has not formed any official panel for the reason that many people supporting the Congress party are contesting the panchayat elections.
Kavlekar further said the panchayats will be in his support this time because people have faith in him.
“Many Congress supporters are contesting in all the panchayats and the candidates have alerady started their door-to-door campaign in their wards. I will openly support those candidates who will be directly fighting against BJP-backed candidates,” Kavlekar added.
