PANAJI
Continuing its winning streak in the second phase of the municipal elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party-supported panels emerged victorious in three of the five municipalities bagging Mormugao, Sanguem and Quepem while claiming the support of independents in Mapusa.
The party, however, failed to breach the Margao Civic Alliance forged by Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat and Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai which stormed to power in the 25-member Margao Municipal Council with a comfortable margin.
Both Kamat and Sardesai maintained their stranglehold over Margao and Fatorda respectively, with the Alliance winning as many as 17 seats -- Goa Forward nine and Kamat’s Model Margao eight -- leaving the BJP-backed Vibrant Margao panel way behind with seven seats. A lone seat went for an Independent.
In Mormugao, the BJP swept the council with 19 of 25 seats with Milind panel getting 7 seats in Mormugao, Carlos winning 8 seats in Vasco and Mauvin bagging 4 in Dabolim. The Congress panel managed to get only 2 seats.
In Quepem, Babu Kavlekar's backed panel won 9 out of 13 seats. While the Congress panel managed to win only 3 seats, one seat was bagged by an Independent.
In Sanguem, BJP panel emerged victorious in 5 seats and is now banking on support of an Independent to take control of council. The opposition got 4 seats.
The BJP, meanwhile welcomed the election results saying they reflect the sentiments of the people and support for the party.
"Out of five municipalities, in four municipalities BJP-backed panels will rule. Also out of 93 councillors, 52 of BJP-supported panels have been elected ", Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said thanking the people for having confidence in the BJP-supported candidates.
BJP State President Sadanand Shet Tanavade said “Goans have given their mandate and have acknowledged our work. This will help us in the development of Goa".
