‘Zilla Maria’ eyes fourth term

Benaulim Independent candidate and three-time former ZP member Maria Rebello addresses the media alongside former sarpanchas of Benaulim, Orlim and Cavelossim.

MARGAO
Can three-time former Benaulim Zilla Panchayat member Maria Rebello, popularly known as “Zilla Maria”, make it to the South Goa Zilla Panchayat for the fourth time in the upcoming ZP polls?
Contesting as an Independent after her request seeking a Congress ticket did not find favour with the Congress leadership, Maria told the media that she has received an encouraging response from the people of the Benaulim ZP constituency, comprising the villages of Benaulim, Varca, Orlim, Carmona and Cavelossim.
“I have almost covered campaigning in the entire constituency. I am confident the people will give me another term to serve them, as I did in the previous three terms,” she said.
Replying to a question on the Congress ticket, Maria said she finally decided to contest as an Independent after the Congress block decided to back a new face.
Rebello has received support from former Benaulim sarpanch Royla Fernandes, former Cavelossim sarpanch Lazarinho Miranda and former Orlim sarpanch Gaudencio Luis, who recalled the work carried out by her as Benaulim ZP member during her previous three terms.
Royla told the media that Maria had been proactive as a ZP member in her previous terms. “We always found her cooperative and proactive in addressing public grievances, irrespective of political affiliations. Apart from the development works she ushered in the constituency, Maria has developed a close relationship with cross-sections of society,” Royla said.