CANACONA
Jayesh Gaonkar has been unanimously elected as the new sarpanch of Khotigao panchayat. Gaonkar was elected to head the 7-member Khotigao Panchayat, as then sarpanch Vrunda Velip resigned on personal grounds and went on long leave. Dy Sarpanch Poonam Gaonkar, former sarpanch Anandu Desai, panch Krishna Velip and others were present, while an officer from the Canaocna BDO presided over the election and was assisted by the panchayat secretary. South Goa BJP Vice President Mahesh Naik, Canacona BJP Mandal Vice President Chandrakant Sudhir, Mandal functionary Chandan Dhuri, Vinay Tubki, along with Ashok Velip, Durgesh Warik and others later visited the panchayat to wish the newly elected sarpanch. Gaonkar is now the third sarpanch in the current term.
During the tenure of first sarpanch of current term Anandu Desai, Khotigao Panchayat, which is known for its biodiversity and rich cultural heritage, had bagged the award as the best tourism village (bronze category) in 2023, focusing on tribal culture and nature.
