MARGAO
While the candidates go about their work as per an elaborate schedule, relatives move around the constituencies, going door-to-door, interacting with select group of voters with a plea to cast their votes in favour of their husbands, fathers or uncles, etc.
Prominent amongst those who have hit the campaign includes former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat’s wife Asha, Vijai Sardesai’s wife Usha, sons and daughters of the Alemao brothers, Churchill and Joaquim and others.
As usual, Asha Kamat, who lends a helping hand to husband in many an elections, has descended on the field with her army of women supporters. A popular figure amongst the city’s womenfolk, Asha has been spotted atop the Moti Dongor on a number of occasions, interacting with the migrant voters and seeking their support for her husband in his bid to play his sixth political innings from the city.
In neighbouring Fatorda, Usha Sardesai has also hit the campaign trail in support of Vijai. Like Asha, Usha is moving around Fatorda with her own army of women supporters. Usha has been closely associated with the women from Fatorda and has been instrumental in setting up a chain of women Self Help Groups in the constituency. In fact, it’s often said in Fatorda's political circles that Usha is more popular amongst the womenfolk than her MLA husband. Certainly, she is out on the field to drum up support to tie loose ends in support of her husband.
Former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao’s kith and kin, are all out on the field in Benaulim constituency, where he is seeking a return after a gap of decade and half. If son Savio is trying to hold the fort for dad in crucial Benaulim village, nephew Regan has been camping in neighbouring Colva village since the campaign kicked off a fortnight ago. Churchill’s daughters are campaigning in their own way in support of their dad.
Friend turned foe Maria Rebello’s husband, Joe is working side by side with wife, as he works overtime to put all things in place for his wife. Joe, who was closely associated with Churchill over the years, has turned out an asset to wife Maria given his understanding of politics in the high profile constituency.
State Congress President Luizinho Faleiro’s close family members, who were against his decision to return to electoral politics, have extended their helping hand too. Elder son Lenin had personally accompanied Luizinho to the office of the returning officer at the time of filing of nomination papers.
The scene in Cuncolim is no different either, where Joaquim Alemao is making a strong bid to stage a comeback. Joaquim’s bid to make a political comeback in Cuncolim has received strong backing from his two sons Braz and Yuri. In fact, the two brothers along with their cousin Warren have been virtually camping in Cuncolim constituency for more than a month, lending their help and assistance to their dad and uncle.
