CANACONA
The men in khaki are keeping a close watch on the Deputy Collectorate Complex in Chaudi-Canacona where the fate of 31 contestants for the 12 municipal wards of Canacona Municipal Council are sealed in ballot boxes.
According to Assistant Returning Officer Vimod Dalal, all arrangements for the counting of votes have been made and the counting will begin at 8 am today. "In the first round Ward No 1 to 6 will be taken up, while the remaining six wards in the second round,", informed the Assistant Returning Officer.
Meanwhile, after a hectic schedule on the day of polling (Saturday), there was virtually an eerie silence with candidates huddled with their polling agents and supporters trying to assess their chances of winning when the counting is taken up today (Monday).
Interestingly, many dark horses in the contest expect to spring surprises at the cost of veterans. There is a feeling that at least 5 of the 31 candidates have already considered themselves elected at Chaudi, Mastimoll, Kindlem, Kindlebhag, and Ourem-Palolem wards.
The fight at Ward 6 (Patnem) between 5 candidates is expected to throw a surprising result even though many believe the fight is between outgoing Councillor Maruti Komarpant and Canacona MLA backed Shubham Komarpant.
A tough tusle is also expected at Sawantwada where outgoing Chairperson Nitu Dessai is seeking a re-election, even as both, including her chanllenger Sanija Dessai is also equally confident of becoming a giant killer in this battle for power.
The voting was high and above 90% in at least in five wards and challengers in all the wards expect the high turnout to work in their favour.
Pandurang alias Dhiraj Naikgaunkar expects a walkover at Mastimoll Ward 4, while ex-CMC Chairperson Simon Rebello hopes to romp home without much problems.
At least six of the contesting ex-CMC Chairpersons expect to return to the council pulling off victories at this election while, the fate of 3 ex-Dy Chairpersons hangs in balance, sources added.
