PERNEM
The BJP’s decision to field a disgruntled candidate from the MGP paid rich dividends and established its control in the Pernem constituency.
BJP candidate Praveen Arlekar defeated Rajan Korgaonkar (MGP), Vishnudas Korgaonkar (Independent), Adv Jitendra Gaonkar, Sujay Mhapsekar (RGP) and Pundalik Dhargalkar (AAP).
Arlekar had first worked for the MGP but later joined BJP after being upset over MGP's alliance with TMC.
Dayanand Sopte had won the Pernem constituency on the BJP ticket for the first time in 2007, a feat that was repeated by Rajendra Arlekar in 2012.
The 2022 contest was seen as a “Settled vs Local” issue as Arlekar is originally from Bardez but has built his new house at Dhargal. Except for Korgao, Arlekar had a lead in all other panchayats of Pernem.
BJP workers had started working for Arlekar after former deputy chief minister Babu Ajgaonkar was shifted to Margao. On the other hand, Ajgaonkar was accused of asking his supporters to work for MGP's Rajan Korgaonkar in Pernem.
The opposition, in a bid to split votes, had fielded Vishnudas Korgaonkar as an Independent candidate. However, he was able to gain barely over 800 votes.
The election in the Pernem constituency sprung a surprise for RGP's Sujay Mhapsekar who came in the third position.
