Team Herald
PANJIM: The stage is set for counting of votes for the elections to the Zilla Panchayat — the outcome of which will decide where the Dr Pramod Sawant-led BJP government, that has been at the helm of the State for the last two and half years, stand. The elections, considered as a semi-finalin the run-up to the State Assembly elections in 2022, is considered crucial by all the political parties, including ruling BJP to gauge their strength.
Counting will be taken up at 15 centres on Monday from 8.00am onwards. With announcement of new elect at 48 seats, Goa will end its first major electoral exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 4.49 lakh voters have exercised their right to vote on December 12 to elect their new second-tier Panchayat representatives.
In all, fate of 200 candidates is sealed. BJP is eyeing41 seats it has contested, while INC has 37 candidates in the battle ground. MGP is eyeing 17 seats, while AAP is in fray in 20 constituencies. NCP has six candidates in the ring. There are 78 independents trying out their luck.
This is the first major litmus test for the CM Dr Pramod Sawant and his ruling Cabinet. The polls have come at a time, when the ground reality, at least in South Goa, seems to be against the Sawant-led government in view of the growing opposition to the three liner projects proposed through the protected areas with double tracking at the centre stage. South Goa reported 55 per cent voter turnout on the polling day.
In North too, two villages, Maulinguem, Bicholim and Mape- Panchwadi in Shiroda, boycotted election as mark of their protest against the government failure. Also, Shel-Melauli villagers are protesting against proposed IIT, while Mopa villagers are up in arms against the International airport. The District, however, saw 58.43% voter turnout.
On the other hand, it’s also going to be prestige issue for prime opposition Congress, who left no stone unturned to expose misdeeds and failures of the government in the last 11 months.
It will be also interesting to see, how many seats AAP, MGP and NCP manage to win, which will help the partiesget a reality check before the 2022 polls.
