VASCO
With reservations announced for the upcoming civic polls, many outgoing councillors from wards in Dabolim and Vasco constituencies which comprise the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) have found their wards reserved.
While many outgoing councillors are now fielding their wives to contest from their wards, others are planning to compete in wards available in the general category.
In one such significant move, outgoing councillor Shreedhar Mardolkar has leaped from Dabolim constituency to Ward 1 in Mormugao constituency.
While the move could be a gamble as only a few people know Mardolkar in the ward, sources said Mardolkar is banking on his good friend and outgoing Ward 1 councillor Sandesh Mesta to help him campaign in the ward.
"Mardolkar is planning to contest in Ward 1 in Mormugao constituency the only ward reserved for an SC candidate. Mardolkar is a resident of New Vaddem in Dabolim constituency and is outgoing councillor of Ward 23,” said a source.
“Ward 23 has been reserved for women OBC, leaving Mardolkar out of the race in his ward. Mardolkar has, however, taken up the challenge and will contest in Ward 1 reserved for the SC category.”
“While the constituency, the ward and people may be new for Mardolkar in Ward 1, his friend is Sandesh Mesta, outgoing councillor of Ward 1 and has a great rapport with people in the ward.”
“Mesta cannot contest from Ward 1 due to the reservation and has assured to take Mardolkar around the ward and campaign for Mardolkar in the ward. Mesta is likely to contest in an other ward in Mormugao constituency itself," said the source.
