POINGUINIM: The panel jointly floated by ex-MLAs Vijay Pai Khot and Isidore Fernandes won five wards in Canacona; the BJP panel won three and the remaining two were taken by independents. This equation means, no group is in a position to rule the municipality and will require support from others.
The winning candidates are Hemant Kumar (Nagarcem), Shet Kishor Balappa (Mastimoll), Shayamsundar Dessai (Ponsulem), Smita Dhuri (Kindlebag), Maruti Bombo Komarpant (Patnem), Nitu Sameer Dessai (Bhagatwada), Dayanand Pagi (Ourem, Palolem), Divakar Pagi (Palolem). Prarthana Gaonker won without contest from Ward 5.
Vijay Pai Khot said that he and Isidore worked to get their candidates elected and now, it is for them to form the council and run it efficiently. Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar said that he is closely in touch with the two independents who have pledged their support to form the council.
With the two independents supporting Tawadkar, the MLA has five councillors on his side.
