PANJIM: There was high drama at offices of various Returning Officers across the State as candidates challenged the nominations of their opponents on Thursday.
As the day began, in Margao, the suspense over Joseph Silva’s candidature came to an end as the Returning Officer allowed his Congress candidature after asking him to produce evidence of his party membership. Silva had filed his nomination on two party tickets – Congress and GVP.
Elsewhere in Mapusa, Congress’ Calangute candidate Joseph Sequeira objected before the RO against BJP MLA Michael Lobo’s candidature claiming he was holding an office of profit when he filed the nomination.
However, it turned out that Lobo had resigned as NGPDA chairman on January 13 and the RO dismissed the petition. The Bardez RO, however, rejected the nomination of Shiv Sena candidate Sangam Bhosle.
In Pernem, an objection against Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar for holding office of profit was also rejected. Shridhar Manjrekar from Mandrem had filed a complaint saying Parsekar was holding office as CM when he filed the nomination.
A total of 405 nominations have been filed for 40 constituencies. The CEO office, however, said the data will be compiled and list of candidates after scrutiny will be declared on Friday.
The last day of withdrawal is January 21 after which the final list of candidates will be made available.
