BJP emerges as a single largest party in Goa

By Hardika Gupta

Incumbent Bharatiya Janta Party is all set to form the next government in Goa after emerging as the single largest party, winning 14 seats while leading in six. Meanwhile, the sitting CM, Pramod Sawant has won his assembly seat from the Sanquelim constituency for the third time in a row.

As per the election commission of India (ECI) website, the main rival Indian National Congress could manage to win five seats and is leading in six constituencies at 4 pm. In a 40-member assembly, Aam Aadmi Party won 1 seat and is ahead in 1, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party is leading in 2 constituencies and the independents won 1-1 seat each.

Congress candidate Michael Vincent Lobo won the Calangute constituency by defeating Joseph Robert Sequeira from BJP by a margin of 4979 votes. Independent candidate Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco defeated Congress candidate Moreno Rebelo with a margin of 5055 votes and won the Curtorim seat.

CM Pramod Sawant defeated Congress candidate Dharmesh Saglani by a margin of 650 votes. After his win he said, "The credit for this win goes to the party workers...BJP will form the government in Goa”.

Meanwhile, Utpal Parrikar who was contesting elections from the Independent Party loses the Panaji seat with over 800 votes. Parrikar expressed his disappointment and mentioned that as an independent candidate it was a good fight.He was defeated by BJP candidate Atanasio 'Babush' Monserrate. BJP is expecting support from the independent MLAs, firming up its majority in the assembly.