PERNEM
Working non-stop from morning to evening without even a lunch break can be difficult for most people, but the huge voter turnout for elections to two constituencies in Pernem taluka forced many election officials to forego their lunch on Monday.
The high turnout among the 60,000-odd voters to choose from nine candidates each in Mandrem and Pernem constituencies has left many speculating on the outcome of the polls.
The voting process was completed all over Pernem taluka without any untoward incidents except for minor glitches in the voting machines.
All booths strictly observed Covid-related guidelines and those voters who were without masks were provided masks by election officers.
Police teams were deployed at all 99 polling booths and both constituencies had three Pink Booths each.
A keen battle is being fought by sitting Mandrem MLA Dayanand Sopte and rebel BJP candidate & former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar.
Responding to the high voter turnout, Parsekar said: “People have voted for a change and I am confident about my win," said Parsekar.
Sopte was certain the BJP would win in the Mandrem constituency.
“This wasn't a BJP vs BJP, but a BJP vs Independent battle and I will emerge victorious,” claimed Sopte.
Congress candidate Narayan Redkar said the high turnout was indicative of anti-BJP sentiments.
“The government misused its powers and voters will teach BJP a lesson this time," said Redkar.
