PORVORIM
The failure to strictly implement SOPs and safety measures came to the fore at some polling stations, as people exercised their franchise to the ZP constituencies of Penha de Franca, Socorro and Reis Magos on Saturday.
A visit to many polling stations revealed that the polling staff on duty were not using thermal guns to check the temperature of voters. In some cases, social distancing was not maintained and the police on duty had not advised voters to keep safe distance.
When asked about the lack of a thermal gun to check voters at a primary school polling station in Betim, a policeman said authorities had only provide them with sanitisers and no thermal gun to check the temperature of the voters.
“Hence, we allowed all voters standing in the queue to vote,” said the police man.
In another incident, a voter, Pravin Shetgaonkar, was seen complaining to the police that the BLO on duty was not wearing a face mask.
Ports Minister Michael Lobo and his wife cast their votes in Parra at 10 am and he expressed confidence that the BJP candidate would get elected.
Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte voted along with his wife and mother at the Holy Family High School polling booth at 10.15 am.
Later speaking to media persons, Khaunte expressed happiness over the voter turnout.
“People should vote wisely and express their views on the burning issues of Goa such as double-tracking, coal, cutting of trees in Mollem, etc. to save Goa.”
“I am confident both independent candidates supported by me will get elected to the ZP constituencies of Penha-da-Franca and Socorro,” said Khaunte.
Meanwhile, voting also took place peacefully In Reis Magos ZP constituency. Saligao MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar cast his vote at 3 pm.
Police teams were posted at all polling stations to ensure law and order.
