Goemkarponn desk
QUEPEM: Alleging TCP Minister Chandrakant alias Babu Kavlekar has amassed wealth and properties through illegal conversion of lands and thus he made offers of plots to Congress supported candidates in Quepem municipality election, the President of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee Girish Chodankar has demanded inquiry against him by Enforcement Directorate.
Chodankar, while addressing media after announcing candidates of United Front of Quepem-backed by Congress, said that such offers could be given by only those who have many plots by illegal means.
UFQ announced 12 candidates for the municipality election.
Congress Block President Manuel Colaco, Elton Dcosta, Sanzil Dcosta, Adv. John Fernandes and others were present on the occasion.
“We have heard of money being offered to withdraw from the election fray, but offering plots is a new trend started by Chandrakant Kavlekar. This should be investigated.” Chodankar demanded.
He said that many candidates backed by Congress had got this offer from Kavlekar, but they have refused to accept it and have set an example that ‘self respect’ can’t be bought by wealth amassed by illegal means.
“I would like to appeal to voters of Quepem to support these candidates who have guarded their self respected and who did not fall prey to Kavlekars offers.” he said.
Chodankar also said that BJP has not announced their candidates in fear of losing the election. “If they have confidence to win this election, then they should announce names of their candidates.” he said. They only take photos with winning candidates with CM after the results.
He said that Kavlekar is also seeking votes from Congress voters by emotionally blackmailing them, saying not to vote for BJP but to his candidates and on the other hand, he is convincing traditional voters of BJP saying they should vote for the party and not him. “Don’t fall prey to his tactics of the MLA who has betrayed Quepem voters.” Chodankar said. This is the way frustrated Kavlekar is trying to hoodwink people of Quepem.” he further said.
He reiterated that Inquiry should be conducted against Kavlekar into disproportionate assets he possesses.
Meanwhile, former Ranaji Cricketer Awadhut Amonkar, Ismail Khan Pathan of AAP and Prajyot Prabhudesai have lent their support to candidates of UFQ by withdrawing their candidature.
Adv. John Fernands said I repent spending my money, Time and energy in AAP since inception in Goa. He said, we have realised that AAP is in Goa only to give advantage to BJP and I appeal all Goans not to fall prey to the tactics of AAP. Mr Alton D’costa said, Quepem BJP leaders along with Babu Kavlekar are trying to create communal tension in interiors of Quepem Constituency to polarise voters.
United Front of Quepem candidates are; Jagdish Gavali (ward-1), Rajesh Naik (ward-2), Nazmonisha Khan (ward-3), Yogesh Bene (ward-4), Neshwin Martins (ward-5), Pratika Madgaonkar (ward-6), Chetan Naik (ward-7), Manuel Colaco (ward-8), Jackina Dias (ward-9), Nandita Prabhudesai (ward-10), Laqueda Aalinda Joenita (ward-11) and Paulina Fernandes (ward-13).
Also prominent member or AAP Joe Fernandes along with AAP volunteers Nazareth Fernandes, Lester Fernandes, Maverick Fernandes, Maison Dsouza, Canard Fernandes, Milton Fernandes, Nash Fernandes, Nweedo Fernandes, Moses Fernandes, Mark Fernandes and Neglan Fernandes lent their support to UFQ by joining Congress party in presence of PCC President.