QUEPEM: Zilla Panchayat elections that passed off peacefully in Barcem and Xeldem constituencies on Saturday left some voters fuming as they refrained from exercising their franchise between 4 pm and 5 pm — the slot kept for COVID positive patients.
The voters said that they were unhappy with the decision allowing COVID patients to cast their vote between 4 pm and 5 pm as it was risky.
However, they suggested that COVID positive patients should have been allowed to vote via postal system which involves no risk.
Velroid Mascarenhas of AAP said, “Though the turnout is not as expected, it seems that the people have voted for a change and AAP is preferred over other candidates. During my interaction with the people, they have expressed anger that Zilla Panchayat has not been given powers and that is one of the reasons why people have not come out to vote.”
Harshad Desai of Congress said, “Yes. It’s an overall good response I got from our people, I am confident about winning as I have worked hard. Today, people want change and I am sure people have voted for a change.”
Siddharath Desai of BJP said, “Definitely. 101 per cent the victory is ours and I am very much sure about that.”
