Colva: Former Colva Sarpanch Anthony Leo Fernandes, popularly known as Mam, on Tuesday joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of party MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas, marking a boost to the party’s grassroots base in the coastal village.
Viegas welcomed Fernandes into the party by placing the AAP scarf around his neck during a small ceremony attended by local leaders and supporters.
Those present at the event included Colva Sarpanch Bai Treza, Deputy Sarpanch Bab Dalan, former Sarpanchs Johnson and Bai Suzie, former Deputy Tendrila, and Panch members Menino and Domrod, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Capt. Viegas lauded Fernandes for his long-standing public service and social work. He said Fernandes, who has also served three consecutive terms as an Executive Committee Member of the Goa Football Association, would play a key role in strengthening AAP’s organizational presence in the Colva Zilla Panchayat block.
After joining the party, Fernandes recalled his early days in public life and thanked Viegas for his guidance. He said that when he became Sarpanch for the first time in 2008, he was new to politics. Capt. Venzy supported and guided him through every Panchayat matter. With the support of locals, he said, they will now take AAP’s work forward with full strength.
AAP leaders said the induction of local grassroots figures like Fernandes will energize the party’s preparations for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections.
