THURSDAY, MAY 09, 2024
Team Herald
In preparation for the upcoming third phase of polling slated for May 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to deliver a public address today (April 27) in Vasco, South Goa. This rally marks PM Modi's inaugural campaign event in the state for the Lok Sabha elections, aimed at bolstering support for BJP candidates vying for parliamentary seats.
Scheduled to commence at 5 pm, PM Modi's address is eagerly anticipated by BJP supporters and constituents alike. Goa's BJP state president, Sadanand Shet Tanavade, has confirmed the timing of the public meeting.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has expressed optimism regarding the turnout, anticipating a gathering of over 50,000 attendees at PM Modi's rally. Sawant has also reiterated BJP's determination to clinch victory in both Lok Sabha constituencies in Goa.
For the Lok Sabha polls, the saffron party has nominated entrepreneur Pallavi Dempo and Union minister Shripad Naik as candidates for South Goa and North Goa constituencies, respectively.
While North Goa has historically been a stronghold for the BJP, with Shripad Naik securing consecutive victories since 1999, South Goa witnessed a BJP victory in 2014. During that election, BJP candidate Narendra Sawaikar emerged victorious over Congress' Aleixo Lourenco.
However, in the 2019 polls, Congress' Francisco Sardinha clinched the South Goa seat with 2,01,561 votes, defeating BJP's Narendra Sawaikar, who secured 1,91,806 votes.
In the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, BJP's Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo will contest against Congress' Captain Viriato Fernandes for the South Goa seat. Despite past setbacks, Shripad Naik has expressed confidence in BJP's prospects, affirming their determination to secure victory in both constituencies this year.
