The marathon Parliamentary elections have just concluded, and now a part of Benaulim's constituents are preparing for Zilla Panchayat by-elections. This Assembly segment played a crucial role in giving the highest lead to the INDIA Alliance Congress candidate Viriato Fernandes, effectively halting the BJP's progress.
It's widely acknowledged that Zilla Panchayats in Goa are largely symbolic and a financial burden on the exchequer. However, in Benaulim, the situation has become a matter of ego. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won these elections under fraudulent circumstances in 2022. This fraud was exposed by Royla Fernandes, whose petition led the Administrative Tribunal to the disqualification of Hanzel Fernandes. Thus, the first person to open the AAP's electoral account in Goa was disgraced and humbled.
Currently, Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, whose victory is allegedly linked to the liquor-gate scam in Delhi, has put forward a sitting panchayat member and AAP member as the INDIA alliance candidate for the ZP elections. This by-election, imposed by AAP, because it involved a candidate who used a forged OBC certificate to contest.
Should the AAP candidate win this time round too, the Orlim panchayat will face another election within months, further straining the exchequer to satisfy Viegas' ego.
Venzy claims that their candidate is an INDIA alliance nominee and demands action against Royla Fernandes, a Congress member.
Although Royla resigned from the party before filing her candidacy, Venzy’s focus appears to be on self-interest rather than the broader goals of the alliance.
The INDIA alliance was formed to prevent Narendra Modi from securing an absolute majority, and this goal was achieved. However, Venzy's intentions for Benaulim remain questionable.
AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has publicly stated that the INDIA alliance is not a permanent arrangement, as evidenced by AAP contesting elections independently in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. This inconsistency raises questions about the solidity of the alliance.
It's well known that Venzy Viegas initially opposed the INDIA alliance and preferred to field a candidate from his own party. His recent enthusiasm for the alliance appears to be a strategic move, given the strong support for Congress in Salcete.
Benaulim constituents gave Viriato Fernandes the highest lead in parliamentary polls, and Venzy should not claim undue credit for this outcome. The votes were cast to keep the BJP at bay.
During Viriato's campaign, Venzy was more focused on building his own base in the constituency, possibly with an eye on the ZP elections or his re-election. Many panchayat members in Benaulim constituency are not on cordial terms with him, as Venzy tends to dominate them. These elected representatives have their own egos and ambitions, and Venzy's desire for blind followers clashes with their independence.
Venzy’s approach is evident in the group picture taken post-nomination, where Hanzel is marginalized in the corner. This image speaks volumes about Venzy's use, misuse, and discard approach towards his supporters.
In summary, the political landscape in Benaulim is fraught with controversy, power struggles, and allegations of fraud, raising serious concerns about the integrity and intentions of the key players involved.
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