PANAJI
In one of the most dramatic contests of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections, AAP leader Jack Ajit Sukhija edged out the Babush-backed incumbent in Ward 17, Edward Jorge, by just two votes.
The cliff-hanger win was immediately followed by a deeply symbolic gesture: Sukhija paid obeisance to his iconic grandfather, Dr Jack de Sequeira, before proceeding to his Campal family home to seek blessings from his mother and elders.
Sukhija visited the statue of Dr Sequeira, widely revered as the “Father of the Opinion Poll”, to honour his legacy. “This is a gesture of respect to the ideals of service and dedication towards Goa that my grandfather stood for,” Jack said, and described the moment as his vow to carry forward his tradition of public service.
He emphasised that the tribute was not merely ceremonial but a reaffirmation of his commitment to safeguard the interests and identity of Panaji’s residents while working for the city’s development.
“I vow to continue the values of honesty and service that my grandfather embodied,” Sukhija noted.
Dr Jack de Sequeira had played a pivotal role in Goa’s political history. He was Opposition Leader in the first Assembly and in two subsequent terms, and most importantly led the movement that ensured the State retained its distinct identity during the Opinion Poll of 1967, the only plebiscite held in independent India.
However, it will not be easy for Sukhija to live up to the iconic legacy of his grandfather, especially with the scale of the 27-3 CCP mandate favouring the other side led by Revenue Minister Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate, known to muscle his way through political challenges.
Asked how he would push his agenda for his ward and Panaji with just three members in the CCP Opposition, Sukhija said their desire to “prove themselves” would help them move forward.
