MARGAO
Disappointment and anger was writ large on the faces of supporters and workers of young lawyer, Adv Antonio Clovis da Costa after the Trinamool Congress party nominated former Independent MLA and Congress ticket aspirant Benjamin D’Silva for the Velim seat.
Workers pointed out they are deeply hurt over the denial of the Velim ticket to Adv Clovis, more so after the young lawyer had completed around 80 per cent campaigning in the constituency. The workers demanded that Adv Clovis convey his feelings and sentiments to the TMC bosses.
Adv Clovis told the media after the interaction with his workers at his residence that he has no plans to quit the TMC and contest the poll, saying he has joined politics to change the system.
“If I decide to quit the TMC after having been denied the ticket, and join some other party, what will be the difference between me and Benjamin D’Silva, who has joined the TMC after the Congress rejected his claim for the ticket,” he questioned.
He added: “I have time and again said that I have joined politics to change the system. Hence, I have no plans to quit the TMC or contest on any other banner. I would convey the hurt sentiments of my workers to the TMC leadership.”
His supporters including Panch member John said they had all rallied behind Adv Clovis since he was clean, qualified, capable candidate with no criminal cases. “We wanted to bring about a change in politics and hence had all rallied behind Adv Clovis after he joined the TMC,” he said.
He recalled that role played by Adv Clovis during Covid pandemic by filing a writ petition in the High Court which had helped to beef up oxygen supply across the State and implement Covid protocols in the State.
Adv Clovis was the founder member of the TMC when he had joined the party along with Rajya Sabha MP Luizinho Faleiro. After given the go-ahead signal to start his work in Velim constituency, Adv Clovis had kicked off his campaign with ace tennis player Leander Paes.
Two days ago, however, the party leadership nominated former Independent MLA Benjamin D’Silva for the seat after the latter was denied the Congress ticket.
