Team Goemkarponn
TALAULIM/NAVELIM: Former Deputy Sarpanch of Talaulim Panchayat, Defa Fernandes, formally joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday in the presence of Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, Velim MLA Cruz Silva, and Navelim Zilla Panchayat candidate Beatrice D’Souza.
Addressing a press conference, Viegas said the political developments indicate deep internal turmoil within the Congress. “When Congress karyakartas themselves are accusing their own party, it becomes evident that Congress is the real B-Team of the BJP. In many constituencies, they have even imported candidates from the BJP. It is time for the people of Goa to vote for the right opposition, which is AAP,” he remarked.
Explaining her decision to switch sides, Fernandes claimed she was initially the front-runner for the Congress ticket in Navelim, and that party leaders had assured her of candidature. She further alleged that “Congress is internally supporting the BJP. Two members of the party even demanded cash in lakhs for the ticket. That’s when I felt disturbed and decided to join AAP.”
Her entry is expected to add weight to AAP’s campaign in the Salcete belt ahead of the upcoming elections.
