PANAJI: A total of 31 candidates submitted their nominations today across 30 wards for the upcoming Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections scheduled on March 11. Ward No IX drew particular attention with former CCP Mayor Surendra Furtado and Kabir Makhija in the fray.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-backed panel, led by Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate, filed nominations for all 30 wards. Former CCP Mayor Uday Madkaikar also filed his nomination from Ward 13 on the BJP-backed panel, expressing confidence in securing all seats.
City Mayor Rohit Monserrate, who filed his nomination from Ward 4, emphasized the work done over the past five years and promised a revival of Panaji if voters back their panel.
“Based on the development we’ve achieved and the issues we’ve resolved over the last five years, I think we deserve all 30 seats,” Mayor Monserrate said. “We’ve been there consistently, addressing citizens’ concerns, maintaining the municipality efficiently, and keeping taxes in check. I wish all candidates the best of luck, and I hope the people see the work we’ve done and vote accordingly.”
Monserrate highlighted projects, which he said brought tangible relief to residents, including drainage improvements that ended persistent flooding on 18th June Road and Mala area, and Smart City initiatives that improved municipal services.
Former Mayor Surendra Furtado, filing his nomination for Ward IX as part of the ‘Ami Panjekar’ panel led by Utpal Parrikar, said citizens’ trust would decide the outcome.
“Today I filed my nomination at 12 o’clock sharp. Everything went smoothly,” Furtado said. “The people of Panaji have suffered, and now it’s up to them to decide whether they want continuity or change. We’ve completed 90% of Smart City work, and my team and I are committed to the city. The citizens of Panaji are our biggest advantage in this election.”
Furtado, who has represented Panaji multiple times and whose son is also contesting in Ward VII, emphasized the importance of citizen support over political rivalry, saying, “Money is not important. God will judge. What matters is that the people are with us.”
