73.32% vote in Ponda, 84.72% in Sanquelim

TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
PONDA/BICHOLIM: Voting to the municipal councils of Ponda and Sanquelim passed off peacefully on Sunday with no untoward incidents reported.
Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) recorded 73.32 per cent voting, while Sanquelim Municipal Council (SMC) recorded 84.72%.
In PMC, the fate of 60 candidates contesting the 14 seats has been sealed, while 53 candidates are in the fray in SMC. Counting will take place on Monday. – Pg 3
Supporters of Venkatesh Naik and Roy Naik (both candidates from ward 4) were reportedly involved in a heated argument at about 12.30 pm. However, police controlled the situation.
Singer Sonia Shirsat returned from one of the polling booths in ward 3 of PMC without casting her vote, citing secrecy issue. However, Returning Officer Johnson Fernandes said the election process was conducted according to the rules and secrecy was maintained.
In Sanquelim, both BJP and Congress expressed confidence of claming majority in the council.
Deputy Collector Narayan Gad was seen moving around, while Bicholim Deputy Superintendent of Police Gajanan Prabhudesai and Police Inspector  Neenad Devulkar maintained a close vigil along with other police personnel.