Grand old party keeps a low profile in Benaulim

Colva: Congress launched its election campaign for the Benaulim constituency on Friday, but it was a low key as a handful of workers attended it including the all-India Congress committee coordinator, Mahammad Taj. The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Luizinho Faleiro was conspicuous by his absence.
What baffled many was the presence of zilla panchayat member Maria Rebello who has been projected as the most sought after candidate by many political parties.The other aspirant was Benaulim Congress block president, Edwin Baretto, whose name was proposed during the block meeting held in July. Another aspirant Anthony Pinto did not turn up for the meeting.
A group of 20 workers, comprising mostly women, met at the Maria Hall, Benaulim wherein Baretto said there is an urgent need for unity if the party has to regain power.
Speaking to TOI, AICC coordinator denied that there was a delay in announcing the name of candidate as still there is ample time ahead of elections.
He said he is visiting places to observe the winnability and credibility of the aspirants. “At the moment Congress is not focusing on the candidates, but only on the party prospects. Here you find two aspirants vying for the ticket, but working together for the betterment of the party,” he said.
When questioned, Maria Rebello said that though she has been approached by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), she has sought time to decide. She said her nomination was proposed at the Congress district level and she is an aspirant.
When asked about other regional parties wooing her, she said it would only split the votes. Rebello also sounded a warning that if she is denied the Congress ticket, she would act as per her supporters’ decision.
Baretto said he has made a lot of sacrifices for the party and it is high time that he is nominated as the party candidate. After the launch, workers visited shops at Benaulim junction and distributed booklets entitled ‘Parivartan to U-turns’.