MAPUSA
Contesting for the record seventh term in a row, former sarpanch, Joseph Sequeira is easily the senior-most politician trying his luck in the ensuing panchayat elections from Calangute, while Oxel sarpanch Rama Parab, former Siolim-Marna sarpanch Sylvester Fernandes and former Verla-Canca sarpanch Milton Marques are close behind contesting continuously for the fifth term.
Similarly, acting sarpanch of Assagao, Victor D’Souza and former sarpanch of Nachinola, Freddy Fernandes are also contesting the elections for the fourth time in the current panchayat polls.
Freddy Fernandes was also twice elected as a member of the Zilla Panchayat in Bardez.
Among women, Nerul Sarpanch, Shashikala Govekar and Assonora Sarpanch, Sapna Mapari are contesting for the fourth time in a row.
Incidentally, both Sequeira and Marques had also contested unsuccessfully in the assembly elections on three occasions.
Sequeira, who was first elected in the Calangute Panchayat in 1988, had to move to neighbouring Ward 7 after his favourite pocket borough, Ward 6 has been reserved for OBC this time around. Sequeira will cross swords with Francisco Rodrigues, who is contesting as the candidate of Together For Calangute, a panel floated by Calangute MLA, Michael Lobo.
“People elect me because I do their work. I have always been helpful to the people of my constituency,” said Sequeira when queried on his repeated success in the panchayat elections.
Interestingly, although people elected the former sarpanch continuously in the panchayat, he was twice rejected in the assembly elections. “The voters from my village have not rejected me. In fact I received more votes in the wards from my village in the assembly polls. What led to my defeat in these assembly elections is the EVMs,” Sequeira retorted.
Oxel Sarpanch, Rama Parab who contested from Ward 6 last time around is contesting from Ward 7 in this election.
“My humility and helpful nature has held me in good stead. I have never said no to people who come to my door for help. And I am sure I will sail through this time too,” a confidant Parab told The Goan.
Former Siolim-Marna sarpanch, Sylvester Fernandes is contesting for the fifth term from Ward 6 reserved for OBC, while his wife, a former sarpanch, Fermina Fernandes is also contesting from Ward 8 which is reserved for women.
“I am very approachable and helpful to people and that is why people elect me,” Fernandes said.
When pointed to allegations of illegal constructions in Siolim-Marna and particularly in his ward, he said the number of constructions has reduced. “At least for the last six months there are not many construction licences issued to anyone. You can check with the TCP department too,” the ex-Siolim-Marna sarpanch said.
