Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The stage is set for a high-voltage contest in the upcoming City Corporation of Panaji (CCP) Elections 2026, with the BJP-backed panel led by Babush Monserrate filing nominations for all 30 wards on Friday and expressing confidence of a decisive victory.
Former Mayor Rohit Monserrate filed his nomination from Ward No. 4 for the next five-year term, while Kareena Shirodkar submitted her papers from Ward No. 8. The Babush-backed candidates also offered prayers at the Shri Mahalaxmi Temple before filing their nominations.
Meanwhile, Surendra Furtado of the Ami Panjekar panel backed by Utpal Parrikar has filed his nomination from Ward No. 9. “I have filed my nomination for the upcoming CCP elections from Ward 9, but I can contest and win from any of the 30 wards. Wishing my friend Babush Monserrate all the best — he’s been my friend for four decades,” Furtado said.
Senior leader Uday Madkaikar asserted that the BJP-backed panel is fully prepared for the electoral battle. “The next CCP Mayor will be chosen by the party. Our focus is to win all 30 wards and defeat Surendra Furtado in the upcoming election. We are 100% confident,” he stated.
Reflecting on past efforts, Madkaikar said that during his tenure as Mayor, he, Babush Monserrate, and Yatin Parlekar had attempted to remove casinos from the Mandovi River but were unsuccessful. “The casinos had taken deep root in the Mandovi. We did not bring casinos to Goa, and we all oppose them,” he said.
Madkaikar further expressed confidence that the panel would secure all 30 wards based on development work undertaken in Panaji over the past five years. He credited Rohit Monserrate for supporting development initiatives and said citizens are appreciating the Smart City projects implemented across the city.
Rohit Monserrate also extended his best wishes to the Ami Panjekar panel. “I wish them the best of luck. They have good candidates and we also have good candidates. May the best one win as people cast their votes,” he said.
With multiple panels in the fray and strong claims of victory from rival camps, the CCP Elections 2026 are poised to witness an intense political showdown in the state capital.
