The big question doing the rounds in political circles is: Who cast the “mysterious” 16th vote that helped the BJP clinch victory in the election for the South Goa Zilla Panchayat Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson? The saffron party managed to secure an extra vote beyond its expected tally. However, the Congress-Goa Forward alliance maintains that its candidates received the expected nine votes”no more, no less. Adding another layer to the intrigue, Aam Aadmi Party leaders have asserted that their lone vote was cast against the BJP, effectively in favour of the Congress nominee. This leaves a glaring question unanswered: How did the BJP reach 16 votes while the Congress candidates were limited to just nine? Interesting, isn’t it?
AAP targets Yuri, defends its MLA amid post-ZP election slugfest
As anticipated, the Aam Aadmi Party leadership went all out to reiterate that it had voted against the BJP in the South Goa ZP Chairperson election. The party stood firmly by its lone ZP member, Antonio alias “Mam”, insisting he did not support the BJP. What caught many political observers by surprise, however, was AAP’s decision to train its guns on Leader of the Opposition, Yuri Alemao after the party directed accusations at the BJP-turned-Congress Guirdolim member, hinting at cross-voting in the election. This move has only widened the post-election slugfest between the Congress and AAP leaderships. Questions galore?
Who in Congress decided to contest top zilla posts?
Meanwhile, the Congress party’s decision to contest the elections for the posts of South Goa ZP Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson has become a talking point in political circles “ both within the party and outside. During the outgoing five-year term, Congress members had refrained from contesting these posts, effectively handing the BJP a walkover. This sudden change in strategy raises another key question: Who took the decision to contest this time? Was it the Congress Legislature Party or the party organisation? Wait and watch.
Goa Forward eyes growth in Salcete after Raia ZP win
What lies ahead for the Goa Forward Party after its victory in the Raia Zilla Panchayat seat is a question doing the rounds in Saxtti’s political circles post-election. Barring Curtorim village, the Raia ZP constituency comprises villages such as Raia, Camurlim and Rachol”areas that all fall within the Curtorim Assembly constituency. With the Goa Forward Party expanding its base in Salcete, particularly through its showing in Raia during the ZP polls, political observers are closely watching to see whether the party will stake a claim to the Curtorim Assembly seat in the 2027 Assembly elections. Wait and watch.
AAP blames ‘family raj’ for Benaulim ZP defeat
Following the shock defeat in Benaulim, Aam Aadmi Party leaders have claimed that “family raj” worked against the party in the recently held Zilla Panchayat polls. For a moment, however, Benaulikars have been left wondering exactly which “family raj” the party is referring to. Sources point out that the Congress team which worked for the party in Benaulim does not have a history of family-based politics. Or is AAP referring to a political family allegedly worked against the party ahead of polling day. Many questions remain unanswered.
