MAPUSA
In the 2024 parliamentary polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) solidified its stronghold in Bardez taluka, securing significant leads in five out of seven constituencies. This remarkable performance cemented the region as a bastion of the saffron party.
Massive leads for BJP
BJP's Shripad Naik garnered a lead of 20,917 votes in Bardez, overshadowing Congress, which managed a mere 2,711 votes. The most substantial lead for the BJP came from Porvorim, where Naik achieved a margin of 5,705 votes, a notable increase from the 3,923-vote lead in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
In Tivim, Naik's lead rose to 4,926 votes compared to the 2,425 votes in 2019. Mapusa voters demonstrated strong support for the BJP, giving Naik a lead of 4,160 votes, up from 3,441 votes in the previous parliamentary elections.
Despite Congress candidate Ramakant Khalap's local influence and his role in establishing the Mapusa Urban Cooperative Bank, he failed to make a significant impact in the constituency where he resides.
Saligao also saw an improved performance for the BJP, with Naik receiving a lead of 3,495 votes, up from 2,484 votes in 2019. However, in Siolim, the BJP's lead decreased to 2,631 votes, down from the 5,098 votes achieved in the last elections.
Congress's limited success
Congress found solace in Calangute and Aldona, two constituencies with significant minority populations. Khalap managed a lead of 2,157 votes in Calangute, slightly lower than the 2,458 votes in 2019.
In Aldona, Congress secured a narrow lead of just 80 votes, reflecting the BJP's inroads into the constituency, despite the efforts of Carlos Ferreira, the lone Congress MLA in North Goa.
The election results clearly indicate the BJP's firm grip on Bardez taluka, with Shripad Naik's substantial leads across multiple constituencies.
The party's strategic campaigning and robust organisational presence have effectively countered the anti-incumbency factor, ensuring a decisive victory over the Congress.
