In Carmona, AAP panel to take over panchayat

COLVA: Within months of the assembly election results, voters in Carmona have once again shown the door to Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao.
In the seven ward village, the only saving grace for Alemao was that sarpanch Sandra Fernandes retained her seat. In the recently-concluded assembly election Carmona had given a huge lead to the Aam Admi Party (AAP) against Churchill.
Mervyl Rodrigues who is the driving force behind AAP in Carmona floated a panel of like-minded people.Allwyn George defeated sitting panch Carlos George who is close to the MLA , Winston Dias defeated ex-panch Prisco Rodrigues another of the MLA’s men, Jusino Mendes defeated deputy sarpanch of Carmona Xavier Fernandes, Benice Fernandes defeated Churchill’s relative Joao Francis D’Costa and Savita Mascarenhas emerged victorious in the women reserved ward.
The AAP supporters claim they will form the next panchayat body as five members of the panel have been elected. The sixth successful candidate is said to be sitting on the fence.
The rivalry was not very taken lightly by the Churchill camp. At the counting hall when Benice was declared the winner, there was an altercation with Joao Francis supporters. A case was registered at Margao police station.