Opposition leader Digambar Kamat seemed to have had a free run on party matters, including distribution of tickets. In the past, sources say, candidates used to make a beeline for tickets at the residence of Luizinho Faleiro and other senior leaders. And, just the opposite has happened this time round, they say. With Faleiro quitting the Congress and no other tall leader in the party, Digambar had his way in candidates’ selection and other party matters. Even party heavyweight Aleixo Sequiera’s candidature did not figure in the first two lists of candidates.
Debate over Luizinho episode continues
Many a question still remains unanswered over Trinamool Congress party’s decision to nominate veteran Luizinho Faleiro and later withdraw his candidate for the Fatorda seat. One, why did the TMC announce Faleiro’s candidature for Fatorda when it was clear from day one he is not interested in contesting from the seat. Questions are being raised why the TMC did not field Faleiro in his home constituency Navelim if the party was keen in winning a sure seat. Did the party gain any advantage by unveiling Faleiro’s candidature? The debate continues unabated.
Father-daughter duo cynosure of all eyes
The father-daughter duo of Churchill and Valanka Alemao is the cynosure of all eyes. For, the last time round the duo had contested together was exactly a decade ago in 2012. Both Churchill and his ladli had then contested on the Congress, but are now in the fray on the TMC banner. That’s not all. The duo has not only changed their parties, but has swapped their constituencies too. In 2012, Valanka had unsuccessfully contested from Benaulim, while Churchill could not retain Navelim.
Will luck favour Benaulim Cong candidate & Elvis?
Who’s this Elvis Gomes and whom is he backing in the ensuing Assembly polls? Well, we are not talking about Congress’ Panaji candidate and bureaucrat-turned-politician, Elvis Gomes, but, Elvis Gomes from Colva, who had in the past backed Mickky Pacheco for the Benaulim seat. Later, he and his team had thrown their weight behind Caitu Silva in the 2012 poll. In the last election in 2017, Elvis was with Churchill Alemao. He is now supporting Congress candidate, Tony (Coke) Dias. Will luck favour Elvis and his candidate? Only time will tell.
