VASCO
Rival politicians sparred over the issue of Family Raj politics, with Vasco BJP MLA Carlos Almeida clarifying that his wife, Jennifer, would not be contesting the upcoming Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) civic polls.
Slamming the outgoing MMC councillor Krishna Daji Salkar for fielding his wife as a candidate in his ward, Almeida said none of his family members would contest the upcoming polls. Almeida was speaking to reporters alongside a tree plantation drive along the roads in Vasco.
"I don't believe in Family Raj politics where family members contest elections and I want to clarify that none of my family members will contest the upcoming polls,” Almeida said. “Outgoing councillor Krishna Salkar has indulged in such politics, after having earlier stated that neither he nor his wife would contest elections. I don't want to get my family members in politics," he added.
Almeida said he had shortlisted the candidature of Shalaka Kambli for the city ward at the upcoming civic polls.
Turning his attention to the dispute about garbage collection in the port town, Almeida said the matter had been resolved. "Urban Development Minister Milind Naik has resolved the problem and the issue is now sorted out. There are two important posts at the MMC, the chief officer and the administrator and both should work for the betterment of the people," said Almeida.
Almeida must retire from politics: Salkar
Outgoing MMC councillor Krishna Daji Salkar, who had unsuccessfully contested State assembly elections against Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida in 2017, said the BJP legislator should retire from politics and spend time with his family.
"While Almeida has rightly decided not to field his wife, he too must not contest elections. It is time he retires from politics and spends time with his family. In his two consecutive terms as MLA, Almeida has not taken any development. The entire city is lagging behind in development and Almeida has fooled people in the last ten years with false assurances," said Salkar.
"I have not fielded my wife as a showpiece, but she has worked with me in the city for the last 15 years. I had earlier declared in advance that I won't contest the polls. But it was only on the repeated demands of my ward members that she contests the ward after my ward was reserved for women that I agreed to get her to contest the city ward.”
“I had many offers to contest from other general wards but I don't intend to indulge in such politics,” said Salkar.
