PANJIM: As the countdown for
counting begins, the results of first constituency itself will strongly
indicate the possible outcome of the 2017 State assembly elections. The Chief Electoral
Office and District Administration have confirmed that Mandrem constituency, represented
by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar would be taken up for counting first.
Inducted in the cabinet for
the very first time as Health Minister when BJP regained power in 2012, Parsekar
is tipped to hold his second stint as CM. However, the number of votes will
determine the pulse of the voters. If Parsekar loses, it means the post-polling
theories claimed by BJP falls flat but is he tastes victory for the fourth time;
it will indicate the trend is likely to be in favour of BJP.
Mandrem constituency will
also showcase whether Aam Admi Party (AAP) will clinch the seat as its
candidate Devendra Prabhudesai is considered to be one of the winnable faces.
Similarly, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) that claims Mandrem as its bastion
will also face the water depending on how many votes its candidate Shridhar
Mandrekar draws.
The constituency has the
reputation of giving Goa its first CM, Dayanand Bandodkar in the polls in December
1963. The results will also decide whether race for CM’s post for Parsekar will
strengthen depending on the victory margin he earns after the counting. Party
sources say that it is unlikely the star campaigner of 2017 elections will be
considered for the top post if the margin is reduced.
Mandrem will also vouch for
Congress’ claim of regaining power in the State as its candidate Dayanand Sopte,
who lost by over 3,000 votes to Parsekar in 2012 and pitted against the former principal
this time as well, has been marked as probable winning face by the party.
Interestingly, this
constituency also holds record of even senior leaders facing a debacle and the
best example being that of former MGP candidate Ramakant Khalap losing to
Congress’ Sangeeta Parab after a continuous 12 years. The former union law minister
was yet again elected in 1999 only to lose to Parsekar thereafter. Since 2002,
Parsekar has been holding the fort in Mandrem.
