SAMIR UMARYE
BICHOLIM: BJP candidates swept panchayat elections even as many ex sarpanchas and Panch members were defeated and voters preferred new faces.
In Bicholim, Sanquelim and Mayem constituency BJP candidates won the elections except in Menkurem-Dhumashem panchayat where ex-MLA, Naresh Sawal’s panel got elected.
Even as BJP has got majority the ex-MLA Mayem, Anant Shet claimed that no Pravin Zantye backed panel has got elected. When contacted Mayem MLA Pravin Zantye denied the claim and stated that in Mayem everywhere their panel has got elected.
There were several ex sarpanchas and Panchas who lost. These included Kajal Karbotkar, Santosh Bhosle, Anand Naik, Kashinath Mayekar (Mayem); Nalita Naik (Menkurem); Aaryan Gaonkar, Mukund Waingankar (Karapur Sarvan); Pramila Ghadi (Kudnem); Vasant Gad (Mulgao); Babanrao Rane (Latambarcem); Madhu Naik (Van Maulinguem); Ujwala Sawant (Amona) all lost.
A 21-year-old Lalana Gimonkar from Pilgao panchayat won the election in Ward IV reserved for women polling 83 votes. with her nearest rival Yayashri Sadashiv Parwar.
