[GOAN SPECIAL]
AGNELO PEREIRA
MAPUSA
While the BJP has floated a panel and declared almost all its candidates for the civic election, the opposition is yet to get its act together in Mapusa.
Selfish interests and failure to adept when not in power has been the bane of politicians in Mapusa.
The civic elections are not fought on party lines, but it has always been a trend among national parties to float panels backing candidates of their choice.
The Congress in Mapusa is already on record saying that it won’t set up any panel but would lend support to like-minded candidates in the municipal elections.
“We will support good candidates in all the 20 wards. Many people have approached us and solicited our support. We will announce some names soon,” Vijay Bhike, President of Mapusa Block Congress had said.
But that said, the Congress in Mapusa badly needs to set its on own house in order. Many senior Congress leaders have deserted the party and joined hands with others. There are others who claim they are Congressmen, but hobnob with the BJP for their vested interests.
Former Congressman and ex-chairperson Subhash Narvekar has more on his hands than putting his mind on setting up a panel for the moment. He’s literally displaced after his ward was reserved for OBC (woman) and has been busy planning counter moves to remain relevant in the changed circumstances.
“Some of us are together. We are watching the scene very closely. After scrutiny and withdrawal, we will be able to form a group,” a confident sounding Narvekar said.
Astute politician that he is, Narvekar may cobble up a group at the last minute.
A lot was expected from the fledgling Aam Aadmi Party. There were expectations that the new party would float a panel and give an alternative to the people. But that does not seem to happen.
“There’s no panel from the party but we shall support some good candidates in the fray,” said Rahul Mhambrey, a member of AAP in Mapusa. “We shall check the credentials and past record of the person contesting and then decide on whom to support,” he added.
So how many persons will they lend their support too?
“We have not decided how many we are supporting. Let people file nominations,” he added.
Former chairpersons Michael Carrasco and Ashish Shirodkar are seasoned politicians and could spring a surprise if they play their cards well. Both have been affected by the delimitation process and the subsequent reservation of wards.
“Everybody wants to be in the ruling side. Even after getting elected, people jump ship for offers other than development. We all know that,” a pensive sounding Carrasco said. “Yes. We will form a group once things crystallize after the Returning Officer finalizes the list,” he added.
Man of all seasons, from BJP to Congress to NCP and now nowhere, Ashish Shirodkar was very calculative and said he preferred to remain an independent.
“I am alone. I can’t commit myself to any group. I have tried all the groups,” Shirodkar said, as a matter of fact.
He said he was for development and wanted to work for Mapusa and would support anyone who works for the progress of the town.
Mapusa Peoples' Union, a Mapusa-based organization has also planned to back candidates in all 20 wards in Mapusa.
“We have decided to involve in the elections to create awareness among the citizens. To inform them how the elections are being held and how their votes are being stolen by the corrupt and seasoned politicians, who want to wrest control of the civic body and keep Mapusa Municipal as their caged parrot,” the Mapusa Peoples' Union’s Facebook page said.
The anger of Mapusa Peoples' Union is palpable and they have been making best use of the social media.
But will they be able to bring the change? Will they be able to convince the people of Mapusa? Time will tell.
But for the moment it appears there is no worthy opposition to take on the BJP-backed panel in Mapusa.
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One files nomination in Mapusa
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THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA: Another person filed nomination for the civic election in Mapusa on Saturday, taking the total candidates to file their nomination to four so far.
Zubeir Sheikh filed his nomination from Ward 9.
