VASCO
Political opponents Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho and Captain Viriato Fernandes cast their votes at the Regina Mundi polling station in Chicalim on Wednesday, but the focus continues to remain on Shital Pereira, wife of outgoing Chicalim Sarpanch Seby Pereira.
Seby Pereira was a former close associate of Godinho, but Shital Pereira is presently contesting against the candidate fielded by Godinho.
Speaking to reporters, Capt. Fernandes claimed the police is being used to intimidate people and the entire government machinery is being misused.
“This is an insult to the democratic process and I appealed to people to come out fearlessly to cast their votes in large numbers so that a good person can be elected for the betterment of the village," said Fernandes.
Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho, who had arrived with his son at the Regina Mundi polling station, said he had been voting for panchayat elections for the first time.
"I was based in Mangor hill and I have for the first time cast my vote for panchayat elections this time. The elections are an opportunity to ensure that voters get capable people elected,” said Godinho.
“We have seen how funds have been increased for panchayats and how we have systematically taken up the issue of garbage disposal through scientific methods. We are also planning to take up liquid waste management and the people must ensure that they elect a panch who can get such development works in their wards," said Godinho.
Outgoing Sarpanch Seby Pereira said people had insisted that he field his wife as candidate for the elections from Chicalim panchayat.
"My ward was reserved for OBC and the other adjoining wards were reserved for women and I had decided to stay away from elections," said Pereira.
