TEAM HERALD
CANACONA: Candidates contesting the two ZP seats in Canacona taluka are keeping their fingers crossed, amid fears of a low turnout at the elections on Wednesday.
Limited enthusiasm among the electorate and the inability of most candidates to cover all houses during their campaigns are being seen as major factors which could lead to a poor voter turnout.
In Khola (Zilla Constituency 22), sitting ZP member Krishna Velip (BJP candidate) is pitted against a joint opposition fielded independent candidate Shanu Velip in a straight
contest.
It is said that the BJP, which has been hit by dissent, has failed to distribute voter slips in most areas, while its candidate has reportedly visited only a select number of households as part of his door-to-door campaign.
On the other hand, Shanu Velip’s campaign has been boosted with the support of disgruntled BJP supporters.
“The election fever is missing among the voters. People are not so interested, because many of them are of the opinion that ZP members, once elected, have little to offer them politically and/or socially,” remarked a resident at Agonda.
In Poinguinim (Zilla constituency 23), the situation is no different. BJP candidate Dr Puspa Aiya is facing a stiff challenge from former ZP Pranali Prabhugaonkar and Anousha Vasu Paik Gaonkar.
Prabhugaonkar is supported by Congress stalwarts like former minister Isidore Fernandes and outgoing ZP member Daya Pagui, besides many disgruntled workers of the BJP.
