PANAJI
Even as St Cruz MLA Rudolf Fernandes has been unable to hold sway in the three panchayats of his constituency, namely Santa Cruz, Merces and Chimbel, his men have been able to find places in the ruling panels of Merces and Chimbel.
In fact, in Merces, his man Sushant Govekar proved to be the kingmaker as he supported the independents-backed panel led by Assis Fernandes and company, at the 11th hour, thereby spoiling the chances of the opposing panel.
Govekar, who is also the St Cruz Congress block president, is a known aide of Fernandes who was first elected as panch from Carmichem Bhat after former panch Girish Uskaikar vacated the seat following his election as Chimbel ZP member.
Meanwhile, in Chimbel four of MLA Fernandes' panchas have also found place in the ruling panel.
