CLASH OF CUNCOLIM CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON: CIVIC POLLS

MARGAO: the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Cuncolim Municipal Council are locked in straight fights in their respective wards in the polls for the civic body.

While the CMC Chairperson Devendra Desai is pitted against Nilesh Purushottam Kunde in ward No 4, the Vice Chairperson Landry Mascarenhas is facing a challenge from another youthful face Alvis Almeida in ward No 8.

While both Devendra and Nilesh are known supporters of the local MLA and Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao, Nilesh and Alvis claim to have the support of the people in their battle against the Chairperson and vice-Chairperson.

In fact, Ward No 4 of the Cuncolim Municipal Council is witnessing an interesting battle of the ballot between Devendra and Nilesh. While Devendra is seeking re-election from the ward, Nilesh

A known supporter of local MLA and Urban development Minister, Joaquim Alemao, the CMC Chairperson says the Civic body with the support of the Minister has ushered in lot of development work in the last five years.

On the other hand, Nilesh opined that whatever development that has taken place in the town has not benefited the general public and vowed to take up all round development of the town. Both Devendra and Nilesh are not leaving any stone unturned to woo the voters in support to their candidature. In ward No 8, the vice-Chairperson is locked in a straight fight against Alvis Almeida.

Landry says that he has ushered in lot of development work in the ward during the last five years. And, he says that providing jobs to the unemployed youth from his ward with the help of the Urban Development Minister will be his top most priority now. “The people of my ward will speak of my work during the last five years. I am confident they will stand by me in the hustings”, he said.

Landry’s plans to get re-elected from the ward, comprising of the areas of Murida and Dandor,have been strongly challenged by his rival Alvis Almeida.

Almeida, says the voters of ward no 8 are looking for a change this time. “The people had given a chance for the sitting councilor last time and are now looking for a change”, he said, adding that a lot needs to be done in the ward.

While this is the first time that Alvis is seeking election to the Cuncolim Municipal Council, Landy is bidding to play a second innings in the Civic body and may be in strong contention for the post of CMC Chairperson if re-elected. (HD)