PANAJI
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced its nominees for the top posts in the North and South Goa Zilla Panchayats, with elections scheduled for December 30.
After chairing a crucial meeting with all the elected ZP members, BJP state President Damodar Naik announced that for the North Goa Zilla Panchayat, the party has shortlisted Reis Magos ZP member Reshma Bandodkar for the post of Adhyaksha (Chairperson), while Honda ZP member Namdev Chari has been named as the party’s choice for Upadhyaksha (Vice chairperson).
For the South Goa Zilla Panchayat, the BJP has proposed Xeldem ZP member Sidharth Dessai for the post of Adhyaksha and Barcem ZP member Anjali Velip for Upadhyaksha. Dessai was a sitting ZP member and was holding the post of Upadhyaksha at the time of going for polls.
The elections to elect Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha are scheduled for December 30, while filing of nominations will take place on Monday, December 29. This will be followed by the swearing-in ceremony on December 31.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) has submitted a formal letter extending support to the BJP in the Zilla Panchayat leadership elections.
In addition, Betki-Khandola ZP member Sunil Jalmi, who had defeated the BJP candidate from the constituency, has also extended support to the ruling party.
Commenting on the developments, Naik said the BJP welcomes support from “anyone who believes in party’s ideology.” “Jalmi extended support for the development,” he added.
Naik maintained that the party’s focus remains on ensuring stability in the Zilla Panchayats and accelerating developmental works at the grassroots level.
However, the decision to accept support from Jalmi came after internal discussions within the party. Naik acknowledged that local MLA Govind Gaude had brought to the notice of the party leadership that the MGP had worked against the BJP candidate in the Betki-Khandola ZP constituency and had supported Jalmi during the elections.
“The matter was discussed in detail, and after consulting the party leadership, it was decided to accept the support in the larger interest of development and stable governance,” Naik said.
With the BJP consolidating support from allies and independent members, the party appears set to secure control over both the North and South Goa Zilla Panchayats ahead of the crucial leadership elections later this month.
