St Andre MLA alleges bid to influence voters
St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar seen at Agassaim after his candidates complained of attempts to influence voters.
Photo Credits: Manuel Vaz
PANAJI
PANAJI: The 18 Tiswadi panchayats logged an overall percentage of 75.85% at the panchayat polls with Goa Velha in St Andre constituency getting the least percentage of 59.39% while Cumbarjua panchayat in Cumbarjua constituency getting the highest percentage of 85.81%.
In the seven panchayats of St Andre constituency, Cumbarjua topped the percentage with 85.81% followed by Curca-Bambolim-Talaulim (83.84%), Neura (80.25%), Azossim-Mandur (77.61%), Se Old Goa (75.93%), Batim (71.61%) and St Estevam (68.24%).
In the three panchayats of St Cruz constituency, Chimbel topped the list with 76.47% followed by Merces (74.89%) and St Cruz (68.47%).
In the seven panchayats of Cumbarjua, Carambolim topped with 82.51% followed by Sao Mathias (81.56%), Corlim (81.22%), Siridao-Palem (77.36%), Goltim-Navelim (76.12%), St Lawrence (Agassaim) (66.63%) and St Andre (Goa Velha) (59.39%).
The Chodan-Madel panchayat, which forms part of Bicholim constituency, logged 82.05%.
Elections to the Tiswadi panchayats were by and large peaceful with no major incident being reported though there were some anxious moments in Agassaim, after St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar complained that efforts were being made to influence the voters.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when Borkar made his presence felt at Agassaim after receiving complaints from his candidates that attempts were being made to influence the voters.
Borkar complained to the police that voters were being transported in vehicles with tinted glasses, and dropped at the entrance of the polling stations, while alleging that there was a possibility that the voters could be lured.
Former St Andre MLA Francisco Silveira also appeared at the scene thereafter but the police advised everybody not to stay in close vicinity of the polling stations.
Meanwhile, much enthusiasm was seen among the senior citizens as many arrived at the polling stations to cast their votes early in the morning. Some of them were helped by their relatives or neighbours to arrive on wheelchairs, which were made available at the polling stations.
However, in some polling stations, candidates were seen canvassing very close to the polling stations in gross violations of the directives. Sources informed The Goan that in two such incidents, one in Chimbel and the other in Corlim, the candidates were forced to come out of the polling stations by supporters of their opponents.
In some polling stations, the voters complained about the slow voting process as they had to wait for a long time to cast their vote. One such polling station was in Merces where a long queue of voters was seen for major part of the polling day.
The past and present MLAs too were seen putting their weight behind their candidates as St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, St Cruz MLA Rudolf Fernandes, Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai, former St Andre MLA Francisco Silveira and former Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar all seen visiting their candidates during the polls.
Incidentally, Silveira's brother Benny is contesting in Agassaim from Ward 2 while Madkaikar's daughter Suhira is contesting in Se Old Goa from Ward 4.
