MARGAO:
The trio “ Fisheries Minister, Avertano Furtado, Velim MLA Benjamin D’Silva and Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva “ had shared a close rapport with the BJP-led government, beginning with the Manohar Parrikar-led government and culminating with the Laxmikant Parsekar-led dispensation. So much so the three constituencies of Navelim, Velim and Benaulim represented by the trio had benefited immensely in terms of development projects in lieu of their support to the government.
In fact, it was generally perceived in Salcete that the BJP is concentrating in these three seats to keep the party or party-backed MLAs in good stead in the coming election.
Finally ending the suspense on Navelim after much thought and discussions, the BJP has decided not to field a candidate in Navelim. Party South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar said the party has finally decided to maintain status quo on Navelim in the February 4 election. “The party rank and file were in favour of going alone in Navelim, but the party leadership felt that the short time may not be adequate enough to win the seat,” Sawaikar told The Goan. He said instructions have gone to the party Navelim block members and voters to back Avertano in the ensuing election.
In Velim constituency, however, the BJP will cross swords against sitting MLA Benjamin D’Silva, who is seeking re-election as an Independent for the second time. “The party had no option than to field a candidate in Velim on two counts. One, Benjamin had remarked in a section of the media that he is not backed by the BJP in Velim. Secondly and more importantly, Velim party workers were adamant in having a party candidate in the constituency this time around,” Sawaikar added. The BJP has not fielded any candidate in minority heartland Benaulim, though it had time and again asserted that the party will back an Independent. “I have neither sought the backing of the BJP nor the party is supporting me. People of Benaulim are aware which party and the candidate is the B-team of the BJP. I am an independent candidate,” Caitu said.
Sawaikar confirmed that the party has not fielded a candidate for Benaulim and is yet to officially decide on it.
