Despite all odds, the Panaji bypoll recorded a high voter turnout of 75 per cent beating all expectations. This only reflects how crucial the politics in the Capital is to the power equation of the State. The holiday season and the much talked about electoral fatigue failed to deter the Panaji voter who turned out in big numbers for this bypoll. The question however is: does this high turnout indicate a change? Or does it mean Ponjekars have reposed their trust in the BJP?
The mood within parties was a picture of contrast. The Congress brigade appeared in full numbers showing a sense of purpose and seriousness, despite the fact that the party’s Panaji show was entirely managed by Babush himself. The Congress enthusiasm extended to even non-serious Congress players who joined the party to exude confidence of a win.
On the other side, the pressure on the BJP was showing. BJP is known to work its numbers in surgical precision and perhaps this is one of the few occasions that the confidence in their math was not reflecting on their faces. The only other time when BJP faced such pressure was way back in 2007 when Dinar Tarcar contesting on a Congress ticket gave anxious moments to Manohar Parrikar. Further, the signs of resentment within the BJP are beginning to show very openly. In his first public function at Kala Academy on Sunday, Utpal Parrikar spoke of two principles that his dad stood firmly for “ trust and promise. While making a reference of his dad’s political acumen, Utpal didn’t mince his words and spoke of betrayal, apparently referring to the denial of ticket. The Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who was present at the function was left red-faced. The Saraswat divide could hurt the BJP prospects big time.
It is a sorry state of affairs for the BJP that it is struggling to retain its long-time bastion and a seat held by Parrikar for five terms. If it is not too late, this election should be a wake-up call for the saffron brigade. In the absence of Manohar Parrikar, his legacy or individual charisma of party candidates is not going to work its charm on the electorate any more. The glitz and glamour like the one witnessed at IFFI will not light up the mood of Ponjekars either. The greater Panaji picture appears grim and it is here where the BJP faces its biggest challenge.
The high-stakes contest has seen a huge flow of money with families being paid between Rs 10,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh for their votes. The irony is that in some cases both the BJP and Congress have visited the same houses, especially in Ribandar and Mala, trying desperately to beat each others’ cash offerings. Such families have added to the big chunk of silent voters which will be decisive to the end result.
All said and done, the BJP and Congress are still locked in a tight contest and the Panaji bypoll result is headed for a photo-finish.
