the goan I network
MARGAO
An intense tug-of-war over the choice of candidate for the coveted post of sarpanch, however, threatens to cause a vertical split in the Churchill camp, with the MLA rallying behind sitting sarpanch Menino Fernandes for the hot chair, while four-five members from the camp reportedly coming out in support of former deputy sarpanch Anthony (Mam) Fernandes for the top slot.
Anthony (Mam) is categorical in saying that his five-member group also belongs to the Alemao camp, but at the same time is clear in stating that members are opposed in supporting sitting sarpanch Menino for the post.
The Benaulim MLA apparently finds himself in a tight spot, attempting to do a balancing act between the claims of the rival groups in his camp, though his first choice for the post of sarpanch is Menino.
“I have already announced my decision that my choice for the post of sarpanch is Menino. If the Anthony (Mam) group do not want to support Menino, I have already conveyed my decision that I will not even step in the Colva Panchayat in the future,” Churchill threatened.
When pointed out that Colva may slip out of his hands a la Varca if he continues to insist on Menino for the post, Churchill shot back “I want to make myself clear that I had promised Menino for the post of sarpanch and I stand by my promise”.
Though the Churchill group is believed to have won from eight out of the nine panchayat wards, no joint meeting of the newly-elected panch members has taken place till date to iron out differences and to strike out a compromise formulae.
Menino says that Churchhill had promised to make him the sarpanch, while saying that he has no doubt that the MLA will honour his promise. On the other hand, Anthony (Mam) pointed out that though Churchill ‘s first choice is the sitting sarpanch, he was categorical in saying that members are opposed to Menino continuance on the chair. “We five members are together and will form the panchayat on Monday,” Anthony (Mam) said, adding that he is not averse in taking over the panchayat reigns if his five member group want him to head the body.
