Goemkarponn desk
MARGAO: Days after the Lok Sabha results, an election fought together successfully by the INDIA alliance, doubts are being raised whether the alliance would continue in future.
There is a vertical split seen between INDIA bloc members AAP and Congress workers.
While AAP has officially declared Orlim social worker Joseph Pimenta as the INDIA Alliance candidate for the Benaulim ZP Bypoll, Congress leader Royala Fernandes has thrown her hat in the ring as an independent candidate.
The state unit of the Aam Aadmi Party, at a press conference at the party office in Panaji, declared Mr Joseph Jesus Gabriel Pimenta as the INDIA Alliance candidate for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat by-poll in Benaulim to be held on 23rd June.
Pimenta is a businessman and social worker based in Orlim village. Aged 43, Pimenta holds a diploma in hotel management and is a former seafarer. He joined AAP with his supporters during the recent Lok Sabha campaign in support of victorious INDIA Alliance candidate Capt Viriato Fernandes. His wife, Nifa Pimenta, is an
ex Dy Sarpanch in the same panchayat, and they have both been a part of various social, educational, religious and sports activities in Orlim village.
The press conference was attended by State President Adv. Amit Palekar, Benaulim MLA Capt Venzy Viegas, General Secretary Adv. Surel Tilve Working President Valmiki Naik, and the candidate Joseph Pimenta.
On the other hand Congress leader Royla Fernandes has said that she is contesting independence as Benaulim is a Congress bastion.
“It is the duty of Congress leadership to respect the views of grassroots workers which helps to strengthen the party. If Congress decides to give Benaulim’s seat to AAP it will demoralise Congress workers so I have decided to contest forthcoming elections as an independent candidate,” Royla said.
