CURCHOREM
The BJP-backed panel took firm control of Sanguem Municipal Council (SMC) on Tuesday, after eight of its 10 candidates won the civic elections on Tuesday.
The other two winners are independent candidates.
In Ward 1, the BJP-backed Romaldo Fernandes (206) had a comfortable win over his nearest rival, Jervis Fernandes (107), while in Ward 2, independent candidate Rosa Maria Fernandes (179) defeated Mala Fernandes (114).
In Ward 3, BJP-backed candidate Caetano Fernandes (128) defeated Revansidh Naik (82), while in Ward 4, it was a close contest for BJP-backed Amita Mapari (262), who edged past Vincentina D'Costa (239).
In Ward 5, BJP-backed candidate Suryadatta Naik (173) won by a huge lead over the nearest rival Shrikant Naik (69), while in Ward 6, independent candidate Fauziya Sheikh (314) trounced the nearest rival Hasinabi Sayyed (82).
In Ward 7, BJP-backed candidate Queiroz Cruz (359) swept the polls defeating his rival Caitan Lima (146), while in Ward 8, BJP-backed candidate Sanjay Raikar (181) defeated his nearest rival Imtiaz Sheikh (101).
Ward 9 witnessed a close contest between the winner, BJP-backed Deepak Marathe (151), who defeated Supraj Naik Tari (113).
In Ward 10, BJP-backed candidate, Prakash Gaonkar (214), won by a margin of 6 votes, defeating Ashok Tariin in a dramatic reversal of fortunes.
Later speaking to 'The Goan', a visibly-pleased Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldessai attributed BJP's success to the close rapport between residents of Sanguem town and the BJP party.
"It is the constant support and trust of Sanguem locals which they have reposed in the BJP. This for the first time in Sanguem Municipal election that the BJP-backed candidates have secured an overwhelming majority. Our candidates have clean characters, are helpful and hard-working, due to which developmental works worth about Rs 30 crore have been completed in Sanguem,” Phaldesai said.
Earlier, BJP supporters gathered in large number outside Sanguem Sports Complex, where the counting took place. The supporters burst into jubilation as the results were declared.
When asked to comment, the victorious candidates thanked their supporters from respective wards and attributed the credit to legislator Phaldessai. They have assured to undertake all activities assured by them to the voters.
Later, a victory rally was staged by the jubilant BJP supporters around Sanguem town.
