MAPUSA
In the latest developments leading up to the upcoming parliamentary elections in North Goa, all eyes are on the incumbent Union Minister and BJP stalwart, Shripad Naik, who in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls secured victory with a margin of over 80,000 votes, largely thanks to the influential support from Bardez taluka.
Naik, now nominated for the sixth time, is anticipated to continue BJP's dominance in North Goa given the party's strong foothold in the region.
While BJP maintained leads in six out of seven constituencies in Bardez in the 2019 parliamentary polls, there has been a noticeable decrease in the lead margin compared to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
However, the party's stronghold remains intact in key constituencies such as Porvorim, Tivim, and Mapusa, where it secured leads of 3,923, 2,424, and 3,441 votes respectively in the last parliamentary polls.
Khaunte expected to
deliver in Porvorim
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, who is also the BJP coordinator for the North Goa parliamentary seat, is anticipated to play a pivotal role in securing a good lead in Porvorim.
With a firm grip on two village panchayats and a significant sway among voters, Khaunte is expected to put his best foot forward to ensure a substantial lead for Shripad Naik in the constituency.
In the 2022 assembly polls, the Porvorim MLA was miles ahead in the victory margin over his nearest rivals.
Congress has pockets of influence in the constituency but lacks a charismatic leader who can bring all other breakaway groups on one platform.
Ex-BJP MLA, RGP’s
role key in Tivim (WITH HALARNKAR, PARAB PICS)
In Tivim, where Congress leadership has dwindled, Fisheries Minister Nilkant Halarnkar is expected to mobilise support for the BJP.
However, the influence of former BJP MLA Kiran Kandolkar could sway the electoral dynamics significantly.
In the last assembly elections (2022) Kiran’s wife Kavita who is a Zilla Panchayat member had come second polling over 7,000 votes.
Kiran along with his wife had joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on the eve of the 2022 assembly polls and contested on TMC symbol.
Additionally, the Revolutionary Goans Party's candidate, Manoj Parab, is expected to pose a formidable challenge based on the party's strong performance in the 2022 assembly polls.
Parab is RGP’s candidate for the North Goa Parliamentary seat and is expected to do well if the assembly results are any indicator.
After Halarnkar defected to BJP in 2019 along with nine other Congress MLAs, the grand old party has hardly any leader worth its salt in Tivim.
BJP holds an edge in Mapusa (with JOSHUA, BHIKE PICS)
Mapusa has historically favoured the BJP in both assembly and parliamentary elections, and this trend is likely to continue.
Congress’ Vijay Bhike, though not chosen as the candidate for the North Goa seat, is expected to support the Congress campaign.
Former chairperson, Sudhir Kandolkar and councillor Shashank Narvekar are expected to add some muscle in the Congress’ campaign in Mapusa.
But despite Congress's efforts, Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, backed by BJP's robust organisation, is poised to maintain the party's dominance in the constituency.
Overall, BJP holds an advantage in Bardez, with its well-established presence and influential leaders, while Congress struggles to unite under a charismatic leader and faces challenges from breakaway groups and regional parties.
