Valpoi by-poll counting today
VALPOI, OCT 20
The fate of both candidates, Vishwajeet Rane (Congress) and Santosh Haldankar (BJP), who contested the Valpoi by-election on Monday, will be known by Thursday afternoon.
A large number of supporters from both parties are expected to be transported from various parts of Valpoi constituency to Panjim to know the fate of their candidates.
Sources in BJP informed that vehicles have been arranged to transport the supporters and well wishers to Panjim, where counting will take place.
Supporters of Vishwajeet Rane in Valpoi have also arranged vehicles to transport people to Panjim.
On Wednesday evening, some former and candidates for the forthcoming municipal election were seen contacting their supporters and well wishers to go to Panjim.
It is learnt that about 50 persons from each ward of VMC area have been contacted to be taken to Panjim.
In some wards, jeeps have been arranged, while in some wards buses are arranged to transport people to Panjim.
Supporters of Vishwajeet Rane, who are confident of his victory, also informed that a rally will be organised to celebrate the victory at Valpoi on Thursday evening.
Meanwhile, supporters of both candidates, Rane and Haldankar, were unwilling to predict the votes polled by their candidates in the elections.
The Congress candidate went to the people with three issues, development, employment, and women empowerment.
The BJP candidate went to the people with issues like illegal mining, besides allegedly exposing irregularities in the Rs 200 crore ongoing beautification project in Valpoi.
It may be recalled that while the overall voting was 83%, the average voting percentage was over 86% in village areas and less than 65% in the municipal area.
Counting of votes will start at Goa College of Home Science, Campal-Panjim, at 8 am.
Though the forthcoming municipal elections are not fought on party lines, many candidates contesting the Valpoi Municipal Council election are anxiously awaiting the by-election results so that local MLA supports them during their ongoing election campaign.
It is learnt that after the result of by-poll is declared, the picture in municipal wards, especially those wards where too many candidates are contesting, will be clear well in advance before the poll date on October 31.
Our Panjim reporter adds: The election authorities have said in a release that they have made elaborate arrangements for counting of votes at the lone counting centre.
Rane, who is the health minister in the Digambar Kamat government, resigned from his assembly seat in August to gain entry into the Congress Party.
Meanwhile, all licenced premises for the sale of liquor located within the areas comprising of the Corporation of City of Panaji shall be closed on October 21 on account of counting for the Valpoi by-poll.
A government release states that the licenced premises having licence for “Bar and Restaurant” will be allowed to keep their restaurants open for serving food only. The bar counter, however, in these premises will be closed and no liquor will be allowed to serve on the day.
