Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Feb 19: The battle lines for the March 11 elections to the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) have been firmly drawn, with Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate’s panel set to face a direct challenge from a new citizens’ front, Ami Panjekar, steered by Utpal Parrikar.
The announcement has set the stage for a high-stakes political contest in the state capital.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Utpal — son of late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar — unveiled the Ami Panjekar panel along with former mayor Surendra Furtado, ex-councillor Menino D’Cruz, Vaidehi Naik and Dattaprasad Naik.
Utpal said the panel was formed with the objective of freeing Panaji from what he termed Monserrate’s “one-man rule” and to ensure improved civic amenities for residents.
“We have support from people across ideologies. Our fight is to give Panaji residents the facilities they deserve,” he declared.
The panel’s logo and banner were formally launched during the event. Parrikar claimed that Ami Panjekar enjoys backing from multiple political bases, including Congress supporters.
Menino D’Cruz, currently associated with the Congress, has joined the citizens’ formation, while Surendra Furtado — despite past differences with Utpal — also extended his support.
“We are united against Monserrate’s mismanagement,” Utpal asserted.
In a strategic move, the panel has decided to withhold the names of its candidates until the final date for filing nominations. Utpal explained that early announcements could leave candidates vulnerable to pressure or inducements.
“Names are finalised, but we will declare them at the right time,” he said.
On the contentious issue of casinos, Parrikar maintained that decisions would be taken strictly in accordance with municipal law. He stressed that casino revenues must be utilised properly and that the CCP has the authority to regulate or even shut down operations if required.
Highlighting key civic concerns, he pointed to parking shortages, pollution and incomplete Smart City works as pressing challenges facing Panaji. He pledged transparent governance to address these issues.
Recalling his independent run in the 2022 Assembly election, Utpal said he had secured significant support despite limited time.
“People of Panaji trust me. This time, with Ami Panjekar, we will win the CCP elections,” he asserted.
With Monserrate expressing confidence in his panel’s strength, the emergence of Ami Panjekar has injected fresh momentum into the run-up to the March 11 civic polls. The contest in Panaji now appears poised on familiar Monserrate versus Parrikar lines and is expected to be closely watched across Goa.