Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: Jayesh Gaonkar has been unanimously elected as the new Sarpanch of the Khotigao Village Panchayat, a village that earned national recognition as a Best Tourism Village (Bronze Category) in 2023.
Gaonkar was elected unopposed to head the seven-member Khotigao Village Panchayat following the resignation of incumbent Sarpanch Vrunda Velip. Velip, who was elected in 2024, stepped down on personal grounds after proceeding on long leave. During her absence, the responsibilities of the Sarpanch were handled by Deputy Sarpanch Poonam Gaonkar.
The election was conducted by the Canacona Block Development Officer’s office, with a deputed presiding officer overseeing the proceedings in the presence of the Panchayat Secretary. The presiding officer formally declared Jayesh Gaonkar elected unopposed, making him the third Sarpanch of the current panchayat term.
Several panch members, including Deputy Sarpanch Poonam Gaonkar, former Sarpanch Anandu Desai, Panch member Krishna Velip, and others, were present during the election.
It was during the tenure of the first Sarpanch of the current term, Anandu Desai, that Khotigao Village Panchayat—renowned for its biodiversity, tribal heritage, and cultural richness—was conferred the Best Tourism Village Award (Bronze Category) in 2023, with a focus on tribal culture and nature-based tourism.
South Goa BJP Vice President Mahesh Naik, Canacona BJP Mandal Vice President Chandrakant Sudhir, Mandal functionary Chandan Dhuri, Vinay Tubki, along with Ashok Velip, Durgesh Warik, and others, were present to congratulate the newly elected Sarpanch.
