http://oheraldo.in/node/10106
CCP polls: Parrikar, Zuwarkar tie up BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 19 - Perhaps not wanting to face a defeat at the hustings by going on BJP label, Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar has tied up with his bete noire-turned-friend Somnath Zuwarkar and others for the Corporation of City of Panjim (CCP) polls. For the 30 wards election which is scheduled for March 12, BJP members are riding piggy back with some Congressmen opposed to Town & Country Planning Minister Babush Monserrate, and as well as NCPmen. Parrikar has made it clear that the BJP is not fielding a panel on its own. Election is not fought on party lines, is his argument for not putting up a formal panel. In the last municipal elections held during Parrikar regime, BJP had a panel and though it had not won most of the seats, a majority was cobbled up. This time, the situation is different. BJP is not in power. And more importantly, Babush is making a determined bid to capture power of CCP. Realising that too many candidates would give advantage to Babush's panel, BJP leaders have been holding discussions with ex-Taleigao MLA Somnath Zuwarkar who had been arrested by Parrikar in 2001, Congress' Victoria Fernandes (Deputy Speaker and St Cruz MLA) and NCP leaders. The outcome is the finalisation of candidates who have filed yesterday and today. Parrikar camp is confidant that the anti-Babush panel would do well. This is also because the BJP is planning a blitzkrieg election campaign against the ambitious friend-turned-bete noire of Parrikar from Taleigao. -- Peace be with you! Ani borem mog khor! Gabe Menezes. London, England
