In Goa, multi-layered security arrangements are in place for counting votes today for assembly elections. Goa Chief Electoral Officer Kunal said, counting will start with postal ballots at 8 AM while counting from EVMs will begin at 8:30 AM. He said, results are expected to start arriving by 11 am.
AIR Correspondent reports that this time, Goans will not have to wait too long for the results as the counting for all constituencies will be taken up in one go.
Out of 40 constituencies in the state, 19 are in North Goa and 21 in South Goa.
The results would decide the political fates of 301 candidates. Prominent names among them are incumbent Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar, Opposition leader Digambar Kamat, Aam Aadmi Party Chief Ministerial candidate Amit Palekar, Goa Forward Party Chief Vijay Sardesai, and Independent candidate Utpal Parikar.
Ahead of counting votes, hectic political activities have begun in the state. Top leaders of BJP, Congress, and Trinamool Congress have reached Goa to chalk out post-result strategy to form a new government. BJP election in-charge for Goa, Devendra Fadnavis and party’s Goa desk in-charge C T Ravi are in Panaji to ensure smooth formation of government. Congress Goa in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao said, this time they will be taking quick decisions and the party will not delay in staking claim to form government. Mr. Rao further said, if Congress falls short of the magic number of 21 then, it will seek the support of Aam Aadmi Party and Trinamool Congress. Leader of Trinamool Congress Abhishek Banerjee and Derek O’Brien are also discussing strategies for a coalition government in the state.
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