Ankita, elected from Karapur Sarvan constituency on the BJP ticket, defeated independent candidate Vaishali Satardekar by four votes while Vasudev Kaorgaokar, elected as ZP member from Anjuna constituency on a BJP ticket was elected as vice chairperson (upadhyaksha) defeating Tukaram Harmalkar by four votes.
Earlier, Navnath Naik, who was elected as ZP member from Rivona constituency was elected unopposed as chairperson of South Goa ZP and Chitra Phadte, elected from Kavle constituency on the MGP ticket was elected unopposed as vice chairperson of South Goa ZP.
Falling short in North Goa ZP by one seat, the support of the two independent candidates of St Cruz MLA Atanasio Babush Monserrate was crucial to see BJP’s Ankita sail through as chairperson, defeating the candidates supported by independent Rohan Khaunte, and tacit support of some elements within the BJP itself.
The BJP state unit president Vinay Tendulkar hailed the formation of the BJP panels in both districts, saying, “The victory (of BJP) in both the districts only indicates the trust the people have in the BJP government in Goa as it is the first time polls have been fought on party lines. Government will give more power to the Zilla Panchayats and they will work hard for the betterment and development of Goa,” he said.
