Spouses of two former Nuvem MLAs tipped to be Nuvem sarpanch and Betalbatim deputy sarpanch; former women sarpanchas are also set to return to the saddle
MARGAO
Wives of political heavyweights, besides many former women sarpanchas appear all tipped to take over the reins of a couple of panchayat bodies in Salcete taluka.
The wives of two former Nuvem MLAs, Mickky Pacheco and Wilfred D’Sa are tipped to play their role in the formation of the panchayat bodies of Betalbatim and Nuvem respectively. Mickky’s wife Viola Pacheco, who has made it to the Panchayat body for the first time, is tipped to be elected deputy Sarpanch of Betalbatim village. Sources in the know informed that sitting deputy Sarpanch Anthony, who not only retained his seat, but also got his wife elected to the panchayat body, is tipped to be the new Betalbatim sarpanch.
On the other hand, Freda D’Sa, wife of ex-MLA Wilfred, is tipped to take over the reins of Nuvem panchayat on Monday. Sources in the know say a six-member group of newly-elected members are likely to back Freda for the coveted seat as per an understanding, even though hectic moves are afoot by another group to form the panchayat.
At Colva, former sarpanch Suzie Fernandes is all set to return to the saddle after over a decade. A group of six members are expected to back Suzie’s candidature for the hot seat.
In neighbouring Seraulim village, a former sarpanch Seema Shanke is tipped to become the sarpanch of the village once again. Sources said that Shanke’s name is likely to get the backing of at least four members of the village panchayat.
In Velim too, former sarpanch Veena Cardozo may return back to the saddle after over a decade. In the just concluded panchayat polls, Veena’s group as well as the rival group backed by district Congress chief Savio D’Silva won four seats each in the nine-member body, with the remaining seat going to a candidate close to the Aam Aadmi Party Velim MLA Cruz Silva.
That Veena Cardozo quit the primary membership of the Congress party on Saturday ahead of the crucial elections for the post of sarpanch on Monday, indicates that she may now receive the support of the remaining panchayat members in her bid to return back to the hot seat.
At the 11-member Raia village panchayat, hectic moves are underway to form the new panchayat body. Sources said one group of newly-elected members are backing sitting Sarpanch Minguelina to retain the seat. There are at least three claimants for the top post, including former sarpanch Xavier Fernandes and ex-deputy sarpanch Mario D’Souza.
