PANAJI
Scrutiny of nomination papers for the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections was completed on Wednesday and of the 78 who filed their papers for 30 wards, one failed the test.
Rakesh Bhikoji from Ward 11 failed the test of scrutiny and his nomination was rejected.
Thursday (February 26) is the deadline for withdrawal of nominations after which the final list of contesting candidates, ward-wise, will be published.
At present, contests are shaping up as two-way battles in 17 wards, three-cornered fights in 10 wards, and four-way contests in two wards.
Ward 26 has attracted the highest number of aspirants, with five candidates in the fray.
The election is expected to see a direct clash between the panel backed by BJP-supported minister Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate and the Ami Panjekar panel led by Utpal Parrikar. Both groups have fielded candidates across all 30 wards.
While Monserrate’s panel has already announced its full list of nominees, the Ami Panjekar panel has held back some names, reportedly due to the possibility of pressure from opponents.
With one nomination rejected and withdrawals pending, the contest lines are sharpening for the March 11 polls, which promise a multi-layered battle for control of Panaji’s civic body.
