ZP quotas redraw Salcete’s political map

MARGAO
Four seats have been reserved for Other Backward Communities (OBCs) — including one for a woman — two for the Scheduled Tribes (STs), and three for the general category. This sums up the status of the nine Zilla Panchayat (ZP) seats up for grabs in the upcoming election scheduled for next month.

More than the numbers themselves, what has generated considerable interest in political circles is how the new reservation pattern has reshaped the political landscape — determining which party stands to gain and who may lose out.

The notification on seat reservation issued by the State Election Commission has triggered hectic activity across political camps. Many potential candidates who had been shortlisted earlier by parties may now have to step aside, forcing parties to look for new, eligible contenders.

As things stand, the Congress will have to embark on a search for strong candidates in Curtorim, Navelim, Nuvem, and Guirdolim — constituencies that have now been reserved for OBC or ST candidates.

The BJP, on the other hand, is expected to capitalise on the new reservation pattern, particularly in areas where it enjoys considerable influence, to retain or even increase its tally in Salcete. Notably, the two seats won by the ruling party in the 2020 ZP polls — Guirdolim and Davorlim — are now reserved for ST and OBC candidates, respectively.

Meanwhile, the three Zilla Panchayat constituencies where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has a presence — Benaulim, Colva, and Velim — all fall under the general category.

Interestingly, the Goa Forward Party (GFP), which had set its sights on the Davorlim and Raia ZP seats by fielding ST candidates, may now have to rework its strategy and find an alternative candidate for Davorlim, as the seat has been reserved for an OBC candidate.

Curtorim, Navelim jolt for Cong: Seats now OBC 

The smooth innings of Congress Zilla Panchayat member Michele Rebello has finally come to an end, with the Curtorim seat now reserved for an OBC candidate in the upcoming polls. This development means the Congress will have to urgently identify a suitable OBC candidate within a short timeframe.

Reservation a mixed bag for GFP

For the Goa Forward Party (GFP), the reservation list has brought both setbacks and opportunities. The party had set its sights on the two ST-dominated constituencies of Davorlim and Raia in the upcoming 

ZP polls and had even inducted prominent ST leaders from these areas in anticipation.

To its surprise, however, the Davorlim ZP seat has been reserved for an OBC candidate, forcing the party to look for an alternative choice. On the brighter side, Raia—represented for multiple terms by ST leader Dominick Gauncar —remains reserved for the ST category.

Seat reservation and AAP 

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) finds itself in a relatively comfortable position, as the three general-category seats of Velim, Benaulim, and Colva fall within Assembly constituencies currently represented by AAP MLAs. Party insiders say AAP has no issue with these seats being in the general category and is confident of fielding strong candidates.

However, the party will still need to scout for formidable candidates in Curtorim and Guirdolim, both reserved for OBC and ST respectively.

BJP under lens in Salcete

The BJP had won the two seats of Guirdolim and Davorlim in the 2020 election. While the Guirdolim seat was won by ST leader Sanjana Velip, Paresh Naik had succeeded Ulhas Tuenkar in the ZP by-poll. 

Both Sanjana and Paresh belong to the ST and OBC community respectively. Incidentally, it’s a sheer coincidence that the two seats are reserved for the ST and OBC respectively, throwing up questions whether the ruling party would nominate the incumbent members for the two seats.

Seat quota  for Salcete

Raia            – ST

Nuvem       – OBC

Davorlim   – OBC

Guirdolim – ST

Curtorim    – OBC

Navelim     – Women (OBC)

Colva           – General 

Velim           – General 

Benaulim   – General