TEAM HERALD
PORVORIM: Zilla Panchayat voting in the constituencies of Penha-da-Franca, Socorro and Reis Magos passed off peacefully, with no untoward incident.
Initially there was poor turnout of voters in Penha-da-Franca constituency, while voters were seen in large numbers at voting booths in Socorro and Reis Magos constituencies from morning itself. Many speculated that the campaigning by the BJP ‘karyakartas’ led to the healthy voter turnout in these areas.
Voting picked up in the afternoon and long queues were seen at most booths in the three constituencies.
Tourism Minister and Saligao MLA Dilip Parulekar exercised his franchise in the morning.
Speaking to media persons, Parulekar stated that his ‘karyakartas’ had worked hard to ensure the victory of the BJP candidates.
“Our candidate, Rupesh Naik, who is contesting from Reis Magos will be elected by a margin of at least 3,000 votes, while our candidate, Dhanahree Gadekar, from Socorro constituency will win by a margin of more than 1,000 votes,” said a confident Parulekar.
On the other hand, Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte was equally convinced of a win for both candidates backed by him.
“The very fact that around 66 per cent voting has been reported in Penha-da-Franca and Socorro constituencies indicates that large number of people has come out to demonstrate their anger against BJP policies,” said Khaunte.
“Both of our independent candidates, Gupesh Naik (Penha-da-Franca) and Vaishali Satardekar (Socorro) will be elected by substantial margins,” Khaunte added.
