Valpoi (Goa) As the voters sat in the jam packed hall inside Valpoi bus stand fanning themselves for some air, BJP leader and candidate Vishwajit Rane was seen sweating equally.
Though it rained outside in this village tucked in western ghat region, the atmosphere inside was unbearable. More than 5,000 people stuffed in the hall which is lack of ventilation had made life miserable. Everyone waited for Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to arrive.
This was the last public meeting that was held in Valpoi constituency which goes for poll on August 23 along with Panaji. Rane is contesting on BJP ticket and one can see saffron colour spread over the city and villages in this constituency.
Rane has always been an uncrowned king of this constituency who also looks after adjoining Poriem constituency which is represented by his father Pratapsinh Rane.
The sudden political developments have divided Valpoi and Poriem into two colours. One is saffron and another remains with Hand symbol.
Back to the public meeting. Chief Minister arrived in a tearing hurry who was welcomed by Valpoi Municipal Council Chairperson Parvin Sheikh in English. Some voices backside said in Konkani “kitten mhatle go tine?” (What did she say?).
In this belt which is predominantly comprising of Konkani speaking less educated people, the English speech by Chairperson of Valpoi municipal council provided a disconnect.
But the gap was bridged by Zilla Panchayat member who spoke in typical Sattari style pouring his heart. “We have made a sacrifice by joining BJP and do not let us sacrifice go waste. Provide the help to our Baba for developing the constituency,” the leader said even as Parrikar did not seemed to be too much comfortable with the word sacrifice.
Later Parrikar addressing the public meeting in Panaji aptly used the same word ‘sacrifice’ to justify association of Goa Forward Party, MGP and Independents with his government.
Again in Valpoi. The most awaited speech was that of Vishwajit who is known as Baba. In his usual style, Vishwajit left no stone unturned to take the opposition Congress head on.
“Kon to Aam Admi Kay Jam Admi Congress cho president jala” (Someone aam admi or jam admi has become president of congress in Valpoi),” he said evoking giggles from the crowd.
“Congress mahila leader asa jika khabar na aj sanje apun khaychya parten astali ti (There is a mahila leader who does not know which party she will be in by the evening),” he continued his speech which received response from the crowd.
Vishwajit assured to fix the problems of the primary health centre at Valpoi in two months with the help of chief minister and also said that the real issue in this constituency is not that of development but that of employment for those youth who are school drop outs.
Parrikar in his speech assured that youth who have passed 8th standard will be provided government employment. He also said that if someone is not 8th pass, special training could be arranged for him for a month.
As this constituency which has been consistently changing the political colour remained with Rane during 2017 polls, it is clear that it will still remain with him this time too considering the crowd that the public meeting pulled.
Team TNV