Goa Minister Expresses Disappointment Over Panaji Corporation Election Results
Revenue Minister and Panaji MLA Atanasio 'Babush' Monserrate on Friday voiced his disappointment after his party lost in three of the thirty wards in the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections. Before the elections, Monserrate had set an ambitious target of securing victory in all wards, making the losses particularly disheartening for the seasoned politician.
Unexpected Setback in Key Wards
"I did not expect to lose these three seats. It is really disappointing," Monserrate stated candidly. Despite the setback, he extended his gratitude to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the BJP state president, and the party karyakartas (workers) for their efforts in winning the majority of the CCP elections. "The MP also campaigned in Panaji, and the voters in Panaji supported us," he added, acknowledging the broader party support.
Opposition Unity and Targeted Campaigns
The minister noted that he felt a sense of clarity because the opposition had united specifically for the CCP elections. "So, I knew my enemy. They consider me as their enemy and not the party," Monserrate explained. He elaborated that the opposition's campaign was intensely personal, focusing on his family and himself rather than broader issues affecting Panaji and Taleigao.
Monserrate highlighted that while casinos have historically been a contentious issue in Panaji, the opposition strategically leveraged this topic to shape the narrative. "The opposition tried to set the narrative around it and it helped them to win in one ward," he observed, pointing to a specific factor in their limited success.
Defense Against Allegations of Family Raj
Addressing criticisms of so-called 'family raj,' Monserrate firmly rejected the notion. "We are not nominated, we are elected. We go to the people and then they elect us," he asserted. He emphasized that in general elections, voters have the freedom to choose other candidates, but they consistently elect him and his associates due to their trust and belief in their leadership.
Regarding the performance of candidates, including his relative Rohit Monserrate, the minister stated that all candidates performed well in their respective wards, leading to their re-election. "I did not treat Rohit Monserrate and other candidates differently. Actually, I did not even visit Rohit's ward to campaign," he clarified, distancing himself from any favoritism claims.
Looking Ahead to Future Elections
Monserrate acknowledged that there is always room for improvement and that he plans to analyze why some voters did not support them. "The results of these elections have set the tone for the 2027 assembly polls," he remarked, indicating that the CCP election outcomes will influence strategies for upcoming state elections. This reflection underscores the importance of local polls in shaping broader political landscapes in Goa.
