Ex-MLAs say defeat in election may not come in their way to serve constituents
MARGAO
But, hold on. Ex-MLAs Avertano Furtado (Navelim), Benjamin D’Silva (Velim) and Caitu Silva (Benaulim) may have been down in the just concluded election, but not out. Unlike many a defeated candidate, the trio, Avertano, Benjamin and Caitu have decided not to shut down shutters. Instead, the doors of their offices will continue to remain open as they vow to be at the service of their constituents, saying their defeat in the election may not come in the way of their plans to serve the people of their respective
constituencies.
Though they could not retain their seats in the Assembly election, five years after they rode to power on a strong anti-Congress wave in the run up to the 2012 Assembly election, Avertano and Benjamin have emerged as the runners-up to the victorious Congress candidates in Navelim and Velim respectively, polling 5,000-plus votes, indicating their hold and influence amongst the electorate. In Benaulim, former MLA Caitu came a close third, polling close to 4,000 votes, around 3,995 to be precise.
That they have managed to put up an impressive show despite the Congress’ overt and covert attempt to nail them down for their honeymoon with the saffron dispensation has even shocked and surprised their political foes.
Take the case of Navelim. Salcete’s lone minister in the Parrikar and Parsekar government, Avertano Furtado came a close second in the constituency, where State Congress president Luizinho Faleiro made his comeback after a gap of 10 years. Avertano lost the seat by a margin of 2,478 votes, having polled 5,705 votes as against Faleiro’s 8,183.
The scenario in neighbouring Velim constituency is no different. Sitting MLA Benjamin may have failed to contain the Congress heat this time round, but ended his campaign polling around 5,120 votes as against Filip Neri’s 10,293 votes.
On the other hand, Caitu Silva finished third in Benaulim behind Churchill Alemao and Royla Fernandes, polling 3,995 votes as against Churchill’s 9,373 votes and Royla’s 4,182 votes.
Says Avertano Furtado: “I have decided not to shut down my office. Though I am defeated in the husting, over 5,000 people had backed me in the election. I cannot leave them in the lurch. Hence, my office will continue to serve the people of Navelim.”
Benjamin echoed similar sentiments. “When over 5,000 voters had reposed their faith in me in the just concluded election, I cannot leave my people high and dry. Though I may take some rest after a grueling election campaign, my office at Assolna and at home will remain open for my supporters and people of Velim constituency,”
Benjamin said.
Ex-Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva said he is not aware of his future in politics, but asserted that the doors of his office will always remain open. “Though I could not retain the seat, around 4,000 people of Benaulim had cast their vote in my favour. They reposed their faith in me and I cannot shut my shop. As long as I am there, I will continue to serve the people,” Caitu said.
