CANACONA
Commotion prevailed at a polling booth for some time while the CISF and police had to disperse a crowd gathered close to another polling station, as the intensity of a closely fought elections was palpable among candidates and their supporters as voters lined up to vote in high numbers in Canacona constituency on Monday.
According to sources, there was some commotion at the Kudewada polling booth in Gaondongrim village, when some voters began shouting in favour of one candidate and asking everyone present at the booth to vote only for that candidate.
This upset some other voters at the polling booth and they sought the intervention of the polling officers.
In another incident, CISF and police had to intervene to disperse a crowd gathered just 25 metres within the polling station at the Government High School complex, which houses three polling booths at Agonda.
Chaos further prevailed as agents of some candidates gathered outside the compound and entered into heated arguments.
Later, CISF personal stood across the 200-mtr line and kept vehicles at bay, so much so that even the elderly voters had to walk to the polling booth.
Barring these incidents, polling was by and large remained peaceful at the 59 polling stations in Canacona constituency, with a voter turnout of 82.11 per cent being recorded by election authorities.
Of the 59 polling booths in Canacona constituency, two booths were declared as Pink Booths (Women’s polling stations) at Sadolxem-Poinguinim and Delem-Mastimoll in Canacona municipality.
A lone polling station at Chaudi was designated as a Green Booth and was decorated with plants.
The leading candidates in the fray were pleased with the turnout on Monday.
“Going by the reaction of my voters, my victory is certain. Even those electors who were initially reluctant to vote for me came out and voted for me in full force,” said rebel BJP candidate Isidore Fernandes, who is contesting as an independent.
Former minister and BJP candidate Ramesh Tawadkar said he was extremely happy with the overwhelming support of his electorate.
“Electors have certainly voted for my win. That’s the amount of work my karyakartas have done for me and the BJP,” said Tawadkar.
Congress candidate Janardhan Bhandari said the voters wanted a change and opted for a new face in the Congress. I am certain of winning this election,” he said.
Former Canacona MLA and independent candidate Vijay Poi Khot was also confident of victory in the elections.
