Goa: GFP Shiroda Block President Vishant Gaonkar Was Vying For A Congress Ticket In 2019 By-polls

SHIRODA: Angry Goa Forward Party (GFP) supporters from Shiroda constituency today claimed that newly-appointed Block President Vishant Gaonkar supported the Congress during the 2019 Shiroda by-polls and was also secretly lobbying for a Congress ticket during that year.

“The GFP has a good chance in Shiroda with the main fight being between Subhash Shirodkar of the BJP and Abhay Prabhu of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP). With former MLA Mahadev Naik joining the AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) there will be a three-way contest between the three parties BJP-MGP and AAP. There are about 6500-7000 Catholic votes and with the Congress unable to find a strong candidate-leader in Shiroda since 2019, the GFP stands a good chance in Shiroda. They should select a dedicated and committed leader with financial muscle and not someone who is only after money and ticket,” said Sujatha D’souza from Vazem in the Shiroda constituency.

D’souza added that with these candidates in the fray, a local resident-independent could stand a good chance as the votes would be split between four candidates.

Deepak Dhavalikar of the MGP who had earlier contested from Shiroda and lost by a wafer-thin margin due to bumbling by the Congress, has decided to contest from Priol this time.

According to reports, the GFP appointed former sarpanch and present panch of Panchawadi Vishant Gaonkar as its Block President for Shiroda.

He had joined the Goa Forward in the year 2017.

GFP General Secretary (organisation) Durgadas Kamat on Thursday announced the appointment of Gaonkar while addressing a press conference in Panaji. Vishant Gaonkar and leader Akbar Mulla were present on the occasion, claimed media reports.