Goemkarponn desk
MARGAO: With just six to seven months left for the elections in the State, the political activities in the State seemed to have gained momentum in the State.
While Goemkarponn wrote how the Congress is facing a uphill task of defeating the might of BJP in 2022, there seemed to be more bad news coming in for the grand old party.
While grapevine suggests Ravi Naik would not contest forthcoming polls on Congress ticket, there is also uncertainty of Pratapsing Rane contesting from Poriem, considering the age factor.
Now, the biggest shocker could be another MLA Alexio Reginald Lourenco, who seems to kept himself aloof of all the developments in Congress. Sources now reveal that Reginald is planning to contest forthcoming polls on independent ticket.
Considering his proximity to the corridors of power, Reginald could be backed by the saffron brigade on independent ticket.
Reginald has reportedly vowed not to visit Congress house until Girish Chodankar holds the chair of party president.
Interestingly, Reginald never left a chance to attack the party president openly inside and outside the Congress House .
The BJP as usual has tried to take advantage of the fight and has also offered Reginald a cabin to bring him close to BJP in the Assembly complex as the saffron-brigade understands that wining Courtorim is almost impossible for them.
What is even more interesting is that the Reginald is in close contact with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant sanctioned most of his developmental works.
Moreover, Reginald is happy strengthening his own hold on his own constituency rather then giving time to party.
Rumour mills started working overtime after Reginald’s birthday in 2019, which was attended by most of the BJP ministers including Chief Minister.
Despite being a Opposition MLA, all the speakers praised him for his good work.
At that time, Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo also said that Reginald is wasting time in Congress party he should start thinking of bigger things, if he takes right decisions at right time he may be next Dy CM in next Government.
Worked openly against the party in Zilla polls
Courtorim is considered as strong bastion Of Congress party but their candidate lost to independent candidate in Raia Zilla constituency, which falls under Curtorim.
Locals said Reginald openly worked against the party candidate and supported independent candidate.
Congress’ Zilla panchayat candidate from Curtorim also alleged that Reginald did not work for her win.
Recently, though Reginald was seen joining hands with Vijai Sardesai and Digambar Kamat during Municipality elections, sources say he kept himself away from active participation in campaigning. He also did not declare his candidates in all three wards of housing board, which comes under Curtorim constituency.
It is now ample clear that Reginald is weighing the pros and cons as independent candidate in the upcoming assembly elections.
Sources say Reginald also has an eye on 5,000 BJP voters in Curtorim.
Sources and close supporter of Reginald told Goemkarponn on the condition of anonymity said the differences of opinion within the Congress party has forced Reginald to think other way.
There are broad chances of he contesting as an independent candidate from Curtorim as he has a strong lineup of his supporters to fall back on.
