NT Reporter
Margao
The Congress on Saturday expressed confidence of securing a strong showing in the South Goa zilla panchayat elections scheduled for December 20, asserting that the party’s decision to field “young and hardworking” candidates would resonate with voters.
Addressing the media alongside Nuvem ZP candidate Anthony Sedley Braganza, party leaders and block members said the leadership had consciously focused on youthful faces with grassroots connect.
Nuvem block leader Everson Vales said the party had chosen candidates who reflect its thrust on nurturing young leadership. He said the emphasis on youth was being driven at both the state and national levels, adding that the party believed young leaders were ready to take on responsibility in Goa. Vales also spoke about Colva candidate Venicia Carvalho and Benaulim ZP candidate Luiza Rodrigues, saying both were actively campaigning and confident of victory. He said Carvalho was engaged in door-to-door outreach and that there was visible enthusiasm for young energy and a fresh start, which he claimed would translate into a majority for
the Congress.
Benaulim executive member Paul Lobo said that for the first time the Congress had fielded candidates whom people wanted. He said the party had taken a firm decision to promote young leaders, citing Rodrigues as a hardworking small entrepreneur from the fishing community with strong
local support.
Lobo said that the ruling dispensation in Benaulim was uneasy and accused rival parties of focusing on assembly elections by bringing in leaders from outside the state. He said Goans were discerning and could see through claims of clean governance, adding that amid recent crises in the state, the Congress remained the only alternative capable of providing relief and leadership.
