MARGAO
Even as the Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai was considering shuffling of candidates in Ward Nos 2 and 3 in view of the reservation, the BJP has signed Zico, a footballer, as the party nominee for Ward No 3 of the Margao Municipal Council.
With Ward No 2, which was represented by Goa Forward Councilor Lyndon Pereira, in the outgoing council stands reserved for the OBC, the party chief was considering fielding Lyndon in Ward no 3, a general ward and shift former councilor Johnny Crasto from this ward to Ward No 2.
Even before the Goa Forward could unveil the party candidates, BJP Fatorda leader Damu Naik sprang a surprise as he roped in Zico Allwyn Fernandes, a footballer, in the party and announced his candidature for Ward no 3.
Addressing the media, Zico thanked Damu and the party for nominating him as a party candidate from Ward No 3. Without taking names, he took potshots at the Goa Forward Chief by saying that fingers are being pointed at the BJP for being communal, adding that these same people had enjoyed a honeymoon with the BJP in the recent past.
Saying that the youth of Fatorda are presently seeking employment, Zico said people talk about development only at the time of elections and forget the promises after the results.
Welcoming Zico in the party, Damu urged the people not to fall prey to false propaganda against the party by vested interests. “The BJP has not ruled the Margao municipality for the last 15 years. The time has come for the people of Margao and Fatorda to give the BJP-backed panel a chance to usher in the city’s development,” Damu added.
