PANJIM: It’s going to be multi-cornered contest across all 40 Assembly constituencies as 301 candidates remain in the fray for the February 14 Goa Assembly elections.
On Monday 31 candidates, including Shiv Sena’s Panjim Shailendra Velingkar and Independent candidate from Fatorda Agostinho Miranda, withdrew from the poll race. A total of 587 aspiring candidates had filed their nominations.
While Shiv Sena withdrew it candidate extending support to Independent MLA and son of former CM late Manohar Parrikar, Utpal, in Fatorda Miranda withdrew in support of Goa Forward Party candidate Vijai Sardesai.
Of the 587 nominations, 255 were rejected and another 31 withdrew from the race leaving 301 in the fray.
For the first time, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is contesting every one of the 40 seats. Congress has fielded candidates in 37 constituencies, while its ally Goa Forward Party (GFP) is contesting three seats.
Aam Aadmi Party is contesting in 39 seats and has extended support to one Independent candidate in Bicholim.
Trinamool Congress (26) and its alliance partner MGP (13) are contesting 39 seats and have fielded no candidate in Panjim.
The newly-formed Revolutionary Goans Party has fielded candidates in 38 constituencies while supporting INC in Aldona and Porvorim.
The Nationalist Congress party (NCP) and Shiv Sena are together fighting in 23 constituencies with 12 seats by NCP and 11 Shiv Sena. There are 82 Independent candidates in the race.
The highest number of 13 candidates are in Siolim constituency, followed by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant’s constituency Sanquelim that has 12.
BJP is facing major rebellions in Panjim, Priol, Saligao, Canacona, Sanvordem and in Sanguem constituencies as party cadres are contesting as Independent after denial of party ticket.
Counting of votes will take place on March 10.
