MAPUSA
A total of 1,142 candidates were left in the fray in Bardez after the scrutiny of nominations ended on Tuesday evening, even as only one candidate remained in the fray in four wards in two panchayats “ three in Nadora and one in Reis Magos “ effectively clearing their path to be declared elected unopposed.
The nominations of five candidates were rejected by the Returning Officers.
In Nadora panchayat only one candidate each remained in the fray in three wards after the nomination papers of Paresh Gawas (ward 3), Madhura Mandrekar (ward 4) and Rama Nadodkar (ward 5) were found valid.
Similarly, the nomination of lone candidate Sangeeta Bhosle (ward 9) was found valid in Reis Magos panchayat.
Sources informed that former sarpanch Sandeep Salgoankar (ward 2) and ex-deputy sarpanch Reena Fernandes (ward 3) of Salvador-do-Mundo panchayat would also be elected unopposed after their dumpy candidates withdraw from the race on Wednesday.
The nomination of five candidates, one each from Candolim, Arpora-Nagoa, Siolim-Sodiem, Anjuna and Salvador-do-Mundo was rejected.
The withdrawal of nominations will take place on Wednesday after which the picture will be clear on the number of candidates that will remain in the fray.
