MARGAO: BJP candidate Pallavi Dempo’s narrow lead of only 86 votes in the Margao constituency, considered the stronghold of MLA Digambar Kamat, sounds a notable setback for both the MLA and the party. In fact to many this is as good as a security deposit loss for the former Chief Minister who was in the forefront of Pallavi Dempo’s campaign.
This result is particularly embarrassing, given Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s active presence in the constituency, including a visit on the day of polling. Such a close margin in a stronghold constituency raises concerns about the Kamat’s grip over his voters, and the effectiveness of their campaigning efforts.
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Speaking to O Heraldo, MLA Digambar Kamat said, “I am accepting the verdict given by the people of Margao with humility and will surely introspect on the results.” He added that he and his supporters worked hard to get maximum votes for the BJP candidate; however, he will now find out what went wrong.
The BJP had held high expectations for the Margao MLA to deliver a significant lead to their candidate in the South Goa Lok Sabha constituency. However, the shocking results, which fell short of those expectations, have left many within the BJP, including close aides of Digambar Kamat, taken aback.
The Margao constituency saw a closely contested battle in this election, with BJP candidate Pallavi Dempo securing 11,254 votes, and INDIA alliance candidate, Captain Viriato Fernandes, trailing closely behind with 11,168 votes.
Margao is the only constituency of Salcete taluka where the BJP candidate got a lead, that too with just 86 votes.
The revelation that a huge number of voters from Moti Dongor, traditionally considered Digambar’s loyal bastion, went against him in this Lok Sabha election is significant
Kamat is very upset with the numbers of votes polled at Moti Dongor. It may be recalled that on the day of polling, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had visited Margao constituency, including Moti Dongor, and claimed that all the voters and the Muslim community residing in the locality are with the BJP.
