MAPUSA
In a decisive outcome to the panchayat by-elections held on Sunday, Niraj Nagvekar and Mita Naik emerged victorious from Tivim and Assonora respectively, with results announced on Monday.
Niraj Nagvekar secured a convincing win in Ward I of the Tivim Panchayat, polling 334 votes in a four-cornered contest.
The by-election in Tivim was necessitated following the death of sitting member Arjun Aroskar on January 12. Among Nagvekar's opponents was Ravindra Aroskar, brother of the late Arjun Aroskar.
In Assonora, Mita Naik clinched victory in Ward VII with 157 votes in a three-candidate race.
The seat fell vacant after the death of her husband, former panch Milesh Naik, on February 2. Naik's win is seen as a continuation of her late husband’s influence in the ward.
The results reflect continued local support for the families of the deceased panchayat members, a common trend in grassroots elections where familial ties and community presence often play a decisive role.
Both winning candidates are expected to be sworn in later this week
