A high-stakes and complex multi-cornered electoral battle is underway for the Arambol zilla panchayat constituency in Mapusa, a contest intensified by the seat being reserved for women. Political observers state this fight will seriously test the strength and strategy of key leaders across party lines in Goa.
The Key Contenders and Their Backing
The primary contest features Manisha Korkankar, the candidate backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her campaign is supported by former legislator Dayanand Sopte and Jit Arolkar, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) legislator from Mandrem. They face significant competition from two heavyweight independent candidates, both hailing from the influential village of Korgao: Radhika Palyekar and Shrutika Shetye.
Also in the fray are Nettie Fernandes from the Congress party and Jesina D'Souza representing the Revolutionary Goans (RG) party. This crowded field makes the electoral outcome highly unpredictable.
Geographical Complexity and the Decisive Village
The political dynamics of the Arambol constituency are further complicated by its geography. The area falls within parts of two different assembly constituencies: Mandrem and Pernem. However, analysts believe the final result will hinge on the village of Korgao, which holds the highest vote share in the constituency with 5,747 votes.
Korgao village is part of the Pernem assembly constituency, represented by BJP MLA Pravin Arlekar. The independent candidate Radhika Palyekar has gained a crucial advantage by securing the support of outgoing ZP member Rangnath Kalshawkar and Korgao's deputy sarpanch Diwakar Jadhav. This alliance presents a direct challenge to the established political parties trying to mobilize support locally.
High-Level Campaigning and Stakes
The significance of this zilla panchayat seat is underscored by the active campaigning of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the area, highlighting the BJP's keen interest in securing a victory. The union of local leaders backing an independent candidate has disrupted traditional party calculations, making this a closely watched contest.
With a reserved seat, multiple strong candidates, and a decisive vote bank in Korgao, the Arambol constituency is poised for a tense and revealing showdown that will reflect the evolving political equations on the ground in North Goa.
