from daijiworld’s special correspondent
Panaji, May 9: South Goa member of parliament Churchill Alemao’s exit from Congress is likely to pose a problem for the party in the days to come in Catholic-dominated salcette belt.
While the NCP has already made its dent in this taluka in the form of Fransisco Pacheco, Congress fears further damage, if Churchill campaigns vigorously against them.
Churchill, a virtual one-man army, has put in his papers as member of parliament on May 8 to contest forthcoming state legislative assembly elections on Save Goa Democratic party ticket. The party, floated by Churchill and company, intends to contest more than 30 seats at the crucial ensuing polls.
The former MP’s aim is Navelim constituency where Congressman Luizinho Faleiro has been getting elected for several terms now. If Churchill proves his weight in Navelim, it will be a major setback for Congress, who is battling hard to stop the rebellion.
The date May Eight is politically significant for Goa as significant things have started rolling since that day. The BJP declared its list of candidates on May eight little before Churchill put in his papers before Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee. Both happened in Delhi.
Politically wise BJP is all set to make its gain from Congress’ loss. With elimination of Luizinho Faleiro prime on its agenda, BJP is likely to provide all assistance to Churchill in Navelim. The saffron party has refrained from fielding their candidate in Navelim and BJP’s Goa chief Shripad Naik in an interview to a newspaper has said that the party is having understanding in Navelim constituency.
It’s obvious that this understanding is with Churchill, who is the lesser evil for BJP.
According to political observers, Churchill’s party may not be able to make much of a dent in the polls but, for sure, it would be of a nuisance value for Congress at many places. It will play the role, which United Goans Democratic party, once played in Goan elections.
As things stand, the party will be a sanctuary for Congress rebels, once they are denied tickets. Congress has partially come out with its list. The final list, comprising crucial seats, is yet to be announced.
This time, Goa’s major election focus would be Salcette constituencies where Churchill factor matters.
Churchill Chit-chat: