PONDA
In Bethora-Nirankal Panchayat, the voters from Ward 9 (Kumbharwado) had to travel to Ward 11 (Codar) reportedly due to mistake on part of the election office. Ward 11 is 7 kms away, as the voters had to travel to Ward 9 to cast their votes.
The voters of the respective wards after gathering at their respective polling booths were told about the confusion and then ‘Bal Rath’ buses were arranged for the voters to go to another ward.
Speaking to The Goan, Bhiku Gawas, Joint Mamlatdar and Returning Officer for Betora-Nirankal, Borim, Panchwadi and Shiroda, said confusion occurred as wards were increased from 9 to 11.
“Initially, nobody, even not a single candidate, objected to these polling booths. Hence, we couldn’t find our mistake. Had anyone complained, we would have rectified it,” he said. According to Gawas, they had to arrange the buses to facilitate the voters to go from one ward to another ward. “Voters cooperated with us. But though there was confusion, both the wards recorded voting percentage above 91,” he said.
Prasad Prabhugaonkar, candidate from Ward 11 and former panch member, told The Goan that he along with two other candidates had brought the matter to the notice of the election officers soon after the withdrawals, but they did nothing.
Joao Fernandes, Mamlatdar and RO for Betki-Candola, Curti-Khandepar, Quriem, Tivrem-Orgao, Usgao-Ganje, Verem-Vaghurme and Volvoi, said the election process was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported.
Abhir Hede, Joint Mamlatdar and Returning Officer for Veling-Priol, Wadi-Talaulim, Durbhat, Kundai, Bandora and Marcaim, said they had closed the gate after 5 pm, but allowed all those who were in queue. “All those who were in queue have cast their votes,” he said.
Meanwhile, 36 voters from Bharabhumi-Tambdisurla, reportedly boycotted the voting over demolition of their houses which were situated in the property of an institution.
