NT NETWORK
PANAJI/ ST CRUZ
Voting was peaceful in the three constituencies of St Cruz, Cumbharjua and Aldona except for some verbal duels in St Cruz. Strict security arrangements were in place with armed personnel of the central paramilitary forces deployed at every polling booth. Seven booths were declared sensitive in the St Cruz constituency.
In Cumbharjua also, there was a good response from voters especially the youth who came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise. Though voting was peaceful in the constituency, it is unlikely to be a cake walk for three-time MLA Pandurang Madkaikar this time for obvious reasons.
In Aldona constituency, BJP’s Glenn Ticlo faces a major challenge to retain his seat with MGP candidate Mahesh Satelkar, Congress Amarnath Panjikar and AAP’s Rosy D’Souza also in fray. The voting passed off peacefully with people including the young and senior citizens exercising their rights. The fate of all the candidates have been sealed in the EVMs and Aldonkars along with people of the entire state will have to wait till March 11 for the results.
Rudolf Fernandes, son of former Congress MLA Victoria Fernandes, contesting from St Cruz constituency shook hands with the voters and thanked them profusely after the voting got over near Chimbel junction. He was forced to park his car along the roadside by the members of his constituency as they were eager to wish him. He accepted their wishes, and said, “Let us wait and watch till March 11, the day of the results,’’ as he turned to media persons.