MAPUSA
Hinting at giving opportunity to new faces, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stuck to the time-tested factor of “winability” to choose candidates for the ensuing civic elections.
He also said the party will assess the work of all former councillors while taking a final call on the candidates.
“Winability will be the main criteria in choosing the candidates. A person who is ready to work, someone who is approachable and is acceptable to people stands a better chance to be selected,” Sawant said.
The chief minister was speaking to the media at the sidelines of a function in Mapusa.
Speaking further, Sawant said besides scouting for new faces, the party will also evaluate the performance of the former councillors.
“We will see how far the former councillors have reached out to people vis-Ã -vis the ‘Swayampurna Goem’ moto and what work they have done. The party will then decide whether to retain them or give an opportunity to a new person,” he said.
The State government had notified the reservation and delimitation of wards in 11 municipal councils on Friday, last week.
The CM said the party will put up a panel in all the municipal councils and finalise the candidates at the earliest.
“We will try to finalise candidates as early as possible. Even if the elections are not fought on party lines we will field candidates on a panel floated by the party,” he said.
He admitted that there was some resentment among party men due to the reservations but expressed helplessness in the matter.
Elections are likely to be held in March-end to municipal councils of Mormugao, Margao, Mapusa, Bicholim, Cuncolim, Curchorem, Quepem, Canacona, Sanguem, Pernem and Valpoi.
