⁠⁠⁠Panaji (Goa): Goa’s iron lady in Panchayati Raj politics Martha Saldanha, again proved that people think above party politics when she swept Cansualim Panchayat.

For those readers who are not well versed about Martha: she is a 71-year-old lady who has been the Sarpanch for three terms, and five-term Panch member. And the best part is she had fielded her panel independently when state witnessed political parties sweating it out for the polls.

Martha supported panel won in all the nine panchayat wards defeating the candidates fielded by AAP leader Olencio Simoes.

That was the first amongst the results announced when counting began today. Though the Martha effect indicated that the people have voted keeping aside political lines, but later it was proved to be wrong.

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane managed to prove that he is still “The Baba” of Valpoi. He swept crucial Bhironda panchayat. His all the seven candidates won. Rane had managed to get two elected unopposed.

Power Minister Pandurang Madkaikar’s panel continued its hold on Carambolim panchayat. He won on seven out of nine seats.

St Andre MLA Francis Silveira lost hold over Goa Velha panchayat. Goa Velha Front defeated his candidates. But he managed to win over Bhati panchayat.

Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral got his panel elected in Assolda panchayat. He won in 6 wards but could not defeat Kestode Fernandes who had given him open challenge.

Chandrakant Kavlekar swept Khola panchayat.

The most interesting result was of Calangute panchayat where Michael Lobo’s panel defeated Joseph Sequeira’s panel. Joseph Sequeira himself lost in his ward.

Team TNV