MARGAO
All eyes are focused on the Alemao siblings, how they would go about in the June 23 by-poll for the Benaulim Zilla Panchayat seat.
For, perhaps for the first time in Benaulim election, the Alemao siblings seemed to be not on the same page at least in the ensuing Benaulim ZP by-poll.
Going by the ground reality in Benaulim, the Alemao siblings seemed to have extended their support to the candidates of their choice, indicating the siblings will in most likelihood fight for supremacy through a proxy war.
Leader of the Opposition, Yuri Alemao, son of former Minister Joaquim Alemao, sources say is the main force behind the decision to support the continuance of the INDIA bloc in the Benaulim ZP by-poll, indicating that he is firmly behind the AAP Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas in the ensuing by-poll.
On the other hand, former Chief Minister Churchill Alemao and son Savio have rallied behind Independent candidate Grrayfans Fernandes. In fact, Churchill informed that he and son Savio have extended their support to Independent candidate Grrayfans. “I have not fielded any candidate for the Benaulim by-poll after my candidate lost the election in 2020. But, I and my son have extended my support to Grrayfans,” Churchill said.
Yuri and Savio’s cousin brother Warren Alemao, who has set his eyes on the 2027 Assembly election, was likely to announce his decision on his support to the contesting candidates on Sunday. One who has strongly opposed INDI Alliance from contesting the Benaulim by-poll, Warren has said he will formally announce his support for the candidate in a day or two. “The Congress leadership is supporting the INDI Alliance in Benaulim against the wishes of congressmen. These are local elections where people will vote for local issues. I am trying to forge a consensus amongst the contesting candidates to defeat AAP in the by-poll,” Warren added.
