The politics of constituency selection

Eight months ago, Monserrate’s announcement that he would take on Parrikar and leave Taleigao segment to his wife and village panchayat sarpanch, Jennifer Monserate had triggered tremors in the BJP camp. But now, for no particular reason, he has decided to contest from elsewhere, hinting Santacruz constituency.

Monserrate said the main reason for him to change his mind was that he was unable to bring “development” in the capital city. It was “development” that he had promised to Panjimites after his panel won the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) polls.

Monseratte claimed he had wanted the urban development portfolio so that he could bring about development for Panaji, but since he was not given that portfolio, he had not been able to bring out any developmental changes in Panaji.

Monserrate is now eyeing Santa Cruz where he had fielded his wife in the 2007 election. “Let me see, I haven’t decided yet”, was what Monserrate said to a question on his plans for the next assembly elections, though he indicated that Taleigao might not necessarily be his preference.

After Monserrate’s announcement of intention of contesting the assembly elections from Panaji, the Corporation of City of Panaji election had turned out to be a mega battle between the two politicians. Monserrate who had declared that election as a semi-final,

The timing of the announcement not to contest from the Panaji constituency and the hint that he would rather contest from the Santa cruz constituency must raise some eyebrows. This announcement sounds premature, but there appears to be some deep political thinking involved.

For Parrikar, though he may heave a sigh of relief now, must not rest assured that Monserratte sticks to this decision. It is quiet possible that Monserratte is using this announcement as a veiled threat of consequences over some decision that might be pending with the Digambar Kamat government.

This announcement has come days after the birthday party of Santa cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes that was attended by the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Subhash Shirodkar. Victoria’s son Rudolph Fernandes is also expected to contest the elections this year and there is speculation that this might have been discussed at the birthday party.

So Monseratte’s announcement at this moment may have very deep significance and the real reason might revealed in the days to come.