BJP loses Panaji civic body polls to Congress' Monserratte-led panel

The BJP lost its hold over the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) as it failed to get majority in the civic body's elections, the results of which were declared today.

However, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said it was not a setback for his party.

The BJP candidates were outsmarted by nominees fielded by expelled Congress legislator Atanasio Monserratte who got a clear majority in the 30-ward civic body.

The CCP, which covers Goa's capital city of Panaji, was ruled by the BJP-led council before the election was held on March 6.

Monserratte's panel won in 17 wards, while BJP managed victory in 13 wards.

The Congress, which had fielded candidates in nine wards, failed to garner win in any ward.

"The CCP poll results are not a setback for the party. We have maintained our numbers. We had 13 corporators in the earlier council and we have retained it," Parsekar said.

Earlier, the BJP had formed the council by joining hands with various smaller groups (independents).

The CM said that the result will not have any impact on Panaji Assembly constituency, which was earlier represented by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and is now held by BJP legislator Siddharth Kuncolienkar.

"Siddharth did a good job, especially when Parrikar is busy in Delhi. I congratulate him," Parsekar said.

Reacting to the victory, Monserratte said the "people of Panaji have elected a smart council".

"The voters have also rejected Congress, which was roped-in by BJP only to hamper prospects of my candidates," he said.

The Congress party, without commenting on their own poor performance, said the results indicate that the voters want a "BJP-mukt" (free from BJP) Goa.

"It's time for united opposition to work towards making Goa free from BJP," state Congress spokesman Durgadas Kamat said.