One place in Goa where the foreigners simply like to freak out is Mandrem; the constituency has several scenic beaches like Mandrem, Morjim, Arambol and Keri.

The last two-and-half years have been good for the constituency and why not the Chief Minister of the State comes from this constituency.

While the last two years has seen some development, there is a mixed response to the functioning of the government.

The major issue in this constituency has been the land acquisition of the government for the projects like Tuem Electronic City, extension of Tuem Industrial estate and Tiracol Golf Course. 

The locals say the government has forcibly grabbed land of the people and more importantly farmers.

“We don’t want development which will bring families on streets. If the government seriously wanted to do good for the people then it would have taken the people into consideration and would have taken a decision which is beneficial to common man and not corporates,” said Virnoda panch Uday Mandrekar.

Being a constituency where tourists throng in large numbers, it also has a dubious distinction of being named the capital for rave parties and drugs.

The residents are also upset at the domination of the Russian mafia, especially, in Morjim.

“The news of Russian mafia dominating and ill-treating locals and Indian tourists has made headlines for years now but it has fallen on deaf ears,” says Babu Kerkar, a resident.

Another resident, who did not want to be named, questioned the authorities for turning a blind eye to rave parties and drugs.

“Why is the Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar not taking any action on these illegalities,” he asked.

Also, the constituency has seen a large number of illegal constructions in past few years throwing caution to the wind.

Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has been at the helm and obviously enjoys an upper hand. However, it does not seem to be a cake walk for him.

Mandrem is divided on the Medium of Instruction (MoI) issue and the same could play a major role in coming elections.

Shridhar Mandrekar of MGP says, “Parsekar has been a failure as the chief minister. After coming to power, he forgot how he came to power and who has taken him to that position.”

Mandrekar says Parsekar has insulted the MGP members after becoming CM.

“In Mandrem Constituency all the parties MGP, AAP and Congress are having only aim to defeat Laxmikant Parsekar,” he said.

Congress candidate Dayanand Sopte said, “The whole Congress party and supporters are with me and also the other leaders have shown their support and our only aim is to defeat Parsekar.”

Devendra Prabhudesai of AAP says the party has received good response.

“People are not happy with the work done by BJP and they need change,” he said. 

Devendra said “AAP has good chance of winning since we are the third option for the people.”

When contacted, Chief Minister Parsekar says his constituency has seen major development works during his tenure.

When pointed out to opposition against him, Parsekar said “I know the pulse of my people.”

“The first time I contested elections I got just 350 votes and lost deposit. The second time I got good votes and got the deposit back and I distributed sweets despite losing and the third time I won the elections,” Parsekar says.

He said, thus I know what the people want so don’t get carried away with what people talk they are fly by night kind of operators.

When pointed out to the genuine problems of the people, he says, “Everything cannot be done in one term. Besides I have been chief minister for two-and-half years. Whatever is left will be looked into this time.”

“I was not the chief minister of one constituency but entire Goa. While I have given good amount of development here, I will see to it that next time I do even better,” he said.