MAPUSA
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had launched an exhaustive campaign to secure the Parliamentary seat in North Goa, leaving no stone unturned in their efforts.
Their meticulous micro-management rivals that of top corporate organizations, employing strategies such as pacifying former disgruntled MLAs and reaching out to leaders of rival parties to bolster their support base.
While the BJP smells blood and expects to emerge triumphant, questions linger about whether all party MLAs have given their utmost, and if the electorate has been truly swayed by the party's campaign. So what’s in store for the local MLAs… We try to delve deeper.
Acid test for Michael Lobo in Calangute
For Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, this marks his initial encounter with the electorate since his election on the Congress ticket in the 2022 assembly polls and subsequent defection to the BJP.
The pressing question looms: Will the coastal village voters pardon Lobo for his political switch, abandoning the party he once championed? Adding to the complexity is Calangute's historical tendency to rally behind Congress candidates in parliamentary elections, a factor weighing heavily on Lobo's mind.
Against this backdrop, even a modest lead for BJP candidate Shripad Naik would represent a significant triumph for the Calangute MLA.
Will united oppn change dynamics for Halarnkar?
On the face of it, Fisheries Minister and incumbent MLA Nilkanth Halarnkar appears to face no competition in Tivim.
Congress lacks a formidable leadership presence in Tivim but former MLA Kiran Kandolkar, whose wife narrowly lost to Halarnkar in the 2022 assembly polls is a force to reckon in the constituency. Kandolkar commands significant support in Tivim and remains a key player, notably eluding BJP's attempts to sway him.
Additionally, Manoj Parab, President of the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP), made a notable impact in the assembly elections, raising questions about his potential influence as a Lok Sabha candidate and its implications on BJP's electoral prospects. The outcome on June 4 will shed light on these dynamics and their repercussions on the political landscape.
Carlos, Ticlo have a point to prove
Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira, who served as the coordinator for North Goa Congress candidate Ramakant Khalap, finds himself in a pivotal position where his leadership and popularity in the constituency are on the line.
He faces the task of demonstrating that his victory in the 2022 assembly elections was not merely a result of vote division, as widely believed, but rather a testament to his genuine support among the electorate.
A narrow lead for Ramakant Khalap would significantly bolster Ferreira's credibility and solidify his standing as an endearing leader among the people.
Conversely, former BJP MLA Glenn Ticlo also has much at stake as he endeavours to reaffirm his leadership and influence in the constituency. Ticlo's numerous visits to the area even before the announcement of parliamentary elections, coupled with his vigorous campaigning efforts, underscore his determination to prove his enduring relevance.
With the BJP securing a slim lead of approximately 500 votes in the constituency in 2019, the stakes for both Ferreira and Ticlo are undeniably high as they navigate the intricacies of local politics.
Khaunte seeks to consolidate his position in Porvorim
For Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the focus in the Lok Sabha elections isn't just on securing a lead for the BJP, but on surpassing the margins achieved in the 2019 polls.
Having spearheaded the campaign as coordinator for the North Goa BJP candidate, Khaunte invested considerable effort, extending his influence even into Porvorim. With minimal opposition in his constituency, Khaunte seeks to reaffirm his strong connection with the electorate. This election presents a new dynamic with a consolidated opposition, contrasting the fragmented landscape of the assembly polls.
Delilah faces challenges within her party
Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo faces an uphill battle in proving her leadership prowess as a first-time legislator, compounded by the shadow of her party switch from Congress to BJP looming over her campaign.
The actions of her rival, former BJP MLA Dayanand Mandrekar, also come into play, raising questions not only about his dedication to the BJP but also about the potential damage he may inflict on Lobo's standing to assert his own relevance.
The memory of the BJP's narrow 500-vote lead in the 2019 Lok Sabha election further complicates matters for the local MLA as she navigates the intricate dynamics of her constituency.
