As with any election, this one was no stranger to controversies and headline-grabbing issues captured the attention of journalists and social media users. Here is a compilation of some of them:
Voters brave the heat, but shortage of drinks keep many thirsty
Despite scorching temperatures, Goan electorates were treated to a refreshing surprise: the introduction of refreshing drinks at polling booths. However, the rollout wasn't without its hiccups as shortages of these drinks left many voters disappointed. Yet, amidst the heat, voters turned out in droves, patiently waiting in makeshift shelters outside the polling booths… although not all were able to quench their thirst with promised beverages…
BJP candidates' slip of the tongue
BJP's candidates in North and South Goa, Shripad Naik and Pallavi Dempo found themselves thrust into the spotlight after a slip of the tongue during a media comment. After casting votes in their respective polling booths, the duo’s inadvertent appeal for votes for the BJP sparked controversy. This prompted Congress to quickly take advantage of the situation and file a complaint against them with the Chief Electoral Officer. The candidates and the party preferred to maintain silence to avoid any further violation of the ongoing code.
A mishap for BJP’s North Goa candidate
In a moment of forgetfulness, Shripad Naik, the five-time MP from North Goa, left his identity card behind when heading to vote. While he managed to cast his vote using an alternate document – the official card provided by the Election Commission of India (being a contesting candidate), his oversight drew criticism and media attention. Naik admitted the importance of carrying proper identification, a lesson learned amidst the hustle of election day.
ECI confused over nationality?
The Election Commission of India found itself in a state of confusion as OCI card holders and those who registered as Portuguese citizens kept receiving messages to participate in the world's largest democracy. The ECI sent text and WhatsApp messages appealing to these citizens "not to miss the chance to do their bit for the country" and that "the voting day is a no-excuse day."
Concerns over vanishing ink dismissed
Concerns swept as voters took to social media to voice dismay that the ink marking on their index fingers disappeared shortly after casting their votes. Fearing the possibility of double-voting and sub-standard ink, one of them even escalated the matter to the concerned polling officer. However, district officials quickly dismissed the concerns tagging the reports as “misleading". Surprisingly, their investigation did not find any incident or evidence to support the claims on social media.
EVMs throw tantrums
The saga of malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) once again unfolded this Lok Sabha polls, much to the election officials’ embarrassment. It left voters stranded for a minimum of one hour in scorching heat until the glitches were either identified and rectified or machines replaced entirely. As if the torture of the sweltering heat wasn’t enough, the lines just kept growing longer. In one of the polling booths in Benaulim, MLA Venzy Veigas dialled up the polling officers to report the mayhem even as the promised beverages failed to cool down the tempers of the frustrated voters.
Focus on senior citizens and first-time voters
Senior citizens, who either opted not to vote via postal ballots or missed a chance; and the first-time voters took centre stage. Many young voters were eager to make their voices heard for the first time as they also clicked selfies with their inked index fingers. However, there were isolated instances wherein voters had to return without casting their votes, as their names did not reflect in the voters' list.
CEO's green thumb
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) organized a plantation drive at all polling stations on the eve of the voting while on the voting day, May 7, the CEO spearheaded a 'green highway' initiative at Warkhand Junction in Pernem where voters planted saplings after casting their votes. The drive indeed showcased efforts to promote eco-friendliness during the electoral process.
From cabinet discontent to church confrontation
BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral, once disgruntled over losing his cabinet status is upset yet again - this time his ire is directed not at his party but at some churches that appealed to people to vote against the BJP. Cabral had warned to expose them claiming he possesses evidence, which if needed will be placed in the public domain. The minority community leader has alleged that such churches are inciting people against the ruling party.
