Moneybags ready to spoil Goa party

Goa's mainstream politicians are getting the jitters on the eve of Assembly polls — Independents with deep pockets and rebels who have ...

Goa’s mainstream politicians are getting the jitters on the eve of Assembly polls — Independents with deep pockets and rebels who have sought refuge in regional parties.

Among the prominent ‘‘spoilers’’ are industrialist Anil Salgaocar, beer baron Monte Cruz, NRI recruiting agent Mickey Pachecho and money-lender Babush Monserrate. There are a few alleged matka operators in the fray too.

Salgaocar, scion of Goa’s biggest mine-owning companies, who used to fund parties has now decided to contest himself. ‘‘They have done nothing for the mining industry,’’ says Salgaocar, who is using the depleting fortunes of the industry as a poll plank.

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‘Cong should name alternative PM’

Panaji: Asserting that NDA government at the Centre might fall because of cracks appearing in the alliance, NCP leader P.A. Sangma said political scenario in the country would change if the Cong named an alternative to its president Sonia Gandhi as prime ministerial candidate.
‘‘Cracks are surfacing in the NDA coalition and if they fail to contain it, the Govt at the Centre may fall,’’ Sangma, campaigning here for the May 30 Goa Assembly polls, said. An alternative govt with Sonia at the helm will not be acceptable to a lot of leaders Sangma claimed. He said NCP was firm on opposing people of foreign origin from occupying high offices. PTI

He expects to make an impact in Sanvordem constituency where his family has its mines. An Independent, Salgaocar is challenging Vinay Tendulkar, the BJP’s sitting MLA. Initial reports indicate that Salgaocar, a Saraswat Brahmin, has managed to win the support of backward-caste voters in the constituency.

Beer baron and former minister Monte Cruz, trying to make a comeback after a long gap, is facing sitting Congress MLA Luis Alex Cardoz. ‘‘All boys in the area are working for me,’’ says Cruz. Party workers and constituents have a regular diet of chicken biryani and his local brew Belo beer.

Veteran Goa politician Churchill Alemao is facing a tough challenge from former NRI and recruiting agent, Mickey Pachecho. Thanks to his reputation of sending scores of youth to the Middle-East and the West for jobs, his poll meetings at Benaulim in south Goa are well-attended.

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Many of these ‘‘spoilers’’ are pouring in money to match the organisational skills of the Congress and the BJP. Cellphones, mobikes and liquor are common, reports from interior Goa say. The candidates are allegedly pumping in more than the prescribed limit of Rs 3 lakh prescribed by the Election Commission. No complaints have, however, been filed, EC officials said.