MARGAO
Can the overt and covert support lent by the BJP leaders and workers turn out a game changer and help three-time former MLA Reginaldo Lourenco to play his fourth successive innings from Curtorim, this time as an Independent?
Or, will the strong anti-BJP sentiment come to the rescue of Congress candidate Moreno Rebello to put an end to Reginaldo’s 15-year free run in the constituency, considered a Congress stronghold?
These and other questions have come to the fore in Curtorim countryside as the countdown has begun for the March 10 counting, with no player conceding defeat in the husting.
After hogging the limelight for all the wrong reasons, more so for shutting parties in the run up to the polls before entering the fray as an Independent, Reginaldo is back in reckoning for the Curtorim seat. Reason: Political observers say the ex-Congress MLA emerged as a strong contender after local BJP leaders including Margao Municipal councillors representing the Housing Board ward rallied behind the Independent candidate. Observers further claim that close aides of leaders of the Congress alliance partner also worked to mobilise minority Muslim voters in favour of Reginaldo’s success in the Housing Board area.
Remarked an observer: “Overt support extended by the BJP leaders and workers coupled with the covert assistance lent by Goa Forward local leaders helped Reginaldo to start his campaign with a significant vote base at least on paper. Reginaldo is on a strong footing with this support as well as his connect with the people in other villages, though we will have to wait and see on March 10 whether this support will convert into votes.”
Incidentally, Reginaldo played his cards well after shutting parties. His decision to quit the TMC, sources said, was a conscious one aimed at reaching out to the majority community vote, concentrated in the Housing Board area. In fact, at the fag-end of the campaign, Reginaldo went to the town, clarifying that he would never join the BJP, if elected, a statement made out of fear of facing a backlash from the minority community elsewhere in the constituency.
“I have received support from all sections of the society and people from all walks of life. If elected, I will take a decision in the best interest of my constituents,” Reginaldo told The Goan, as he exuded confidence of retaining the seat, this time as an Independent.
He declines to comment on the oft asked question whether he would extend support to the BJP or Congress to form the government, only reminding that the Congress leadership had even roped Rahul Gandhi to defeat him in the election.
His arch rival, Congress candidate Moreno Rebello also sounded confident of making it to the Legislative Assembly. The former
Curtorim Zilla Panchayat member is apparently banking on the silent vote in the villages of Curtorim, Raia, Camurlim and Rachol. Which are considered Congress strongholds over the years. “Let me tell you, the Congress also has a vote in the Housing Board. Besides, the silent majority will stand by me and the Congress. The strong anti-BJP sentiment will keep me in good stead,” Moreno added.
Political observers are trying to figure out how many votes will Aam Aadmi Party candidate Dominick Gaunkar and BJP candidate Anthony Barbosa poll in the husting and how it will impact the prospects of the Congress and the Independent candidates. While the AAP candidate has been on record saying the polling will keep him in good stead, Barbosa also sounded confident of his victory, saying the BJP voters had stood by him and the party despite anti-party activities by a couple of leaders.
ELECTION STATS
Curtorim constituency had registered a poll percentage of 71.41 per cent in the just concluded polls
In terms of vote, around 21,612 had exercised their franchise in the election
Like elsewhere in Salcete, women outnumbered men at the polling booths across the constituency, indicating that women folk will decide the fate of the contesting candidates
Of the total 21,612 voters turnout, around 11,599 were women
