Goa Polls 2017: Authorities set up 'pink' polling stations

In a unique bid to woo women voters and encourage them to exercise their voting rights ahead of the assembly polls in Goa, the authorities have set up several 'pink' polling booths across the state.

The assembly elections for 40 seats in Goa will be held today and results will be announced on March 11.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) notched up a victory in the last assembly polls and removed the Congress from power.

In 2017, the ruling BJP-MGP faces a challenge from the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has promised to get 'special status' for the state if it comes to power.

The AAP has named former Inspector General of Prisons Elvis Gomes as its chief ministerial candidate. 53-year-old Gomes took voluntary retirement from his government job in July last year and joined the AAP.

The ruling BJP has not announced any chief ministerial candidate for the state.

For the Congress, the Goa assembly polls are an important opportunity to revive its political fortunes not only in the state, but also at the national-level.