Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The scrutiny of nomination papers for the upcoming Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections was completed on Wednesday, with one nomination rejected out of the 78 candidates who filed papers for the 30 municipal wards.
The nomination of Rakesh Bhikoji from Ward 11 was rejected during the scrutiny process, while the remaining nominations were found valid.
The last date for withdrawal of nominations is February 26, after which election authorities will release the final ward-wise list of candidates contesting the polls.
Based on the current nominations, two-candidate contests are likely in 17 wards, while three-way contests are expected in 10 wards. Two wards are set to witness four-cornered contests. Ward 26 has drawn the largest number of contestants so far, with five candidates filing nominations.
The election is shaping up to be a key contest between the panel supported by BJP-backed minister Atanasio “Babush” Monserrate and the Ami Panjekar panel led by Utpal Parrikar, with both groups fielding candidates in all 30 wards.
While Monserrate’s panel has already declared its complete slate of candidates, the Ami Panjekar panel is yet to announce a few names, reportedly amid concerns over possible pressure on potential candidates.
With one nomination disqualified and the withdrawal deadline approaching, the March 11 CCP elections are expected to witness a closely fought contest for control of Panaji’s municipal corporation.
