MARGAO
In yet another setback for the Congress in Benaulim, the Varca-based Pintos have quit the Congress party to extend support to the candidature of sitting Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva in protest against the denial of party ticket to Anthony Pinto by the Congress leadership.
An angry Nazario Pinto told the media before joining Caitu’s campaign at Orlim on Wednesday evening that he and like-minded people will work hard to defeat both Churchill Alemao and Congress president Luizinho Faleiro for fielding a weak Congress candidate in Benaulim. “I had no option than to quit the Congress. My brother Anthony is with me, but I have taken the lead along with my supporters to support Caitu in the interest of peace and development in Benaulim constituency," he said.
Replying to a question, he said that his supporters advised him not to support Maria Rebello for the simple reason that Maria and Churchill were once very close political friends.
He said all his workers will work hand-in-hand with Caitu’s supporters to get him re-elected in Benaulim for the second consecutive term. “People of Benaulim were happy with Caitu for bringing peace in the constituency during the last five years," Nazario added.
This is the second rebellion faced by the Congress leadership in Benaulim after declaring Edwin Barretto as the party candidate. Earlier, strong ticket contender for the Benaulim ticket and three-time Benaulim ZP member Maria Rebello had quit the Congress to contest the election on the Goa Vikas Party banner.
